Schoolbuses hit speed-breaker

Schoolbuses hit speed-breaker
Transport Dept Sets Rules To Ensure Safe Journey For Students
Deepa Bhasthi | TNN

Bangalore: The spate of recent accidents, many tragically involving schoolchildren, has prompted the state transport department to take some preventive measure.
In a letter sent to schools, the department has instructed all schools to ensure that their bus drivers have at least five years of driving experience and a duly attested driving licence. Besides, schoolbuses must have first aid kits and a fire extinguisher aboard the bus. The name, address and phone numbers of the school must be painted on the bus. All school buses must be fitted with speed governors, says the letter, also addressed to regional transport commissioners, joint commissioners and RTOs specified, among others.
A case worker at RTO-West, Rajajinagar, said about 90 schools in that jurisdiction had been sent letters with a list of suggestions to ensure safety of school children.
The department also has inspecting squads who have been given special instructions to inspect schoolbuses for overspeeding, overloading and other potential hazards. “We have not modified any rules. We have told schools to ensure safety of their children through this letter,’’ Joint commissioner (enforcement-South) D Vijaya Vikram told The Times of India.
The letter notwithstanding, schools in the city have been ensuring that only experienced drivers operate school buses.
Likening bus drivers with teachers, principal of Venkat International Balakrishna said safety of the children is their first priority, and only those with more than five years of driving experience were being hired.
Principal of Baldwin Boys High School Dinakar Wilson was unaware of the communication from the transport department, but insisted that only experienced drivers are appointed for the school buses.
In some schools, the bus operators have already instructed those with less than five years experience to step down.
The suggestions
Drivers must have a minimum five years experience. School buses must be painted in ‘highway yellow’ colour and ‘school bus’ written on them. Speed governors must be fitted on all school buses