The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has unveiled new measures targeting school buses in a bid to enhance safety of school-going children.
In a statement on Wednesday January 15, NTSA said the measures are part of the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025, which were designed to ensure the safety of children while commuting to and from school.
The authority also revealed that vehicles ferrying learners will be installed a new safety feature, the Stop signal arm, a device that can be extended from the side of a school bus when it is stopped to load or unload students.
The signal will notify other motorists that they must stop and wait for the students to safely board or disembark.
“To enhance the safety of our children, the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025, envisions that where a vehicle is over 30 feet, the vehicle shall install reflectorized red stop signal arms on the front and rear right hand,” the statement read in part.
“The Stop Signal Arm and dual red-light indicator shall be used by the vehicle while it is at least thirty meters from a stop or is stopped on a road to permit school children to board or alight from it,” NTSA added.
HELB announces loans and bursaries for select students; How to apply
Motorists will be expected to stop until the arm folds away and the lights stop flashing. Anyone who fails to stop is guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall have their driving licenses suspended for at least 6 months.
In addition, the vehicles will be required to have attendants who will be responsible for assisting students during boarding and alighting and ensuring they remain seated throughout the trip.
Further, the legislation proposes that vehicles transporting children be printed the words “SCHOOL BUS” on the front and rear and the words “DO NOT PASS WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING” at the rear in block letters at least 8 inches in black colour.
Other rules that vehicles
carrying school-going children must follow:
1.The vehicle is roadworthy with valid inspection certificate, RSL and insurance.
2.The speed limiter is transmitting data to the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).
3.The vehicle is serviced and parts including brakes, tires, lights, side mirrors are all functional.
4.The DL and PSV badges are valid.
5.All children have their seat belts on.
