The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has outlined the responsibilities of school transport vehicle drivers in the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025, highlighting key measures aimed at enhancing the safety of students.
In a statement released on Thursday, January 16, NTSA emphasized that drivers of school vehicles are entrusted with critical duties to ensure the well-being of passengers.
First and foremost, school transport drivers will be fully responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of every child on board.
The drivers are expected to operate the vehicle efficiently and safely at all times, prioritizing the security of the passengers.
Additionally, drivers must carry out thorough pre-trip and post-trip checks to ensure the vehicle and safety equipment are functioning properly.
It is also their responsibility to ensure that no child is left behind when the vehicle reaches its destination.
NTSA further specified that drivers are required to maintain the cleanliness and security of the vehicle.
They will also be responsible for ensuring that children safely disembark from the vehicle and move to a safe distance before proceeding.
When stopping to pick up or drop off students, drivers must activate the Stop Signal Arm and dual red-light indicators at least 30 meters before stopping.
The updated rules also include other safety measures such as the use of vehicle attendants for all school transport, who will assist with ensuring student safety.
Schools are required to have crossing guards at entry and exit points, managing traffic and pedestrian crossings to protect children.
One of the key features of the new regulations is the installation of a ‘stop signal arm’ on school buses.
This device will signal to other road users that the bus is either picking up or dropping off children.
NTSA clarified that motorists will be required to stop their vehicles until the signal arm retracts and the flashing red lights are turned off.
Additionally, the rules stipulate that all school transport vehicles must display the words “school bus” on the front and rear.
The rear of the vehicle must also display the message “Do not pass when red lights are flashing,” in bold letters at least eight inches high.
Moreover, vehicles must display a contact number for complaints regarding reckless driving.
For vehicles longer than 30 feet, reflectorized red stop signal arms must be installed on the front and rear right-hand sides of the vehicle to further enhance visibility and safety.
NTSA’s new regulations are part of an ongoing effort to improve school transport safety, ensuring that children can travel to and from school securely.
The updated rules are expected to provide clearer guidelines for drivers, schools, and other road users, promoting safer road environments for students.
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