The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced plans to roll out three new traffic rules for school buses.
On Wednesday, January 15 NTSA has explained that the guidelines are contained in the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025.
The Authority said the rules will enhance the safety of school going children.
The Draft envisions the use of vehicle attendants in school transport vehicles.
NTSA also stated that there will be crossing guards responsible for directing, controlling, and managing traffic at school entry and exit points or designated pedestrian crossings.
Additionally, a ‘stop signal arm’ will be installed in all school buses to alert other drivers when they are dropping or picking up students.
“Stop signal arm- a device that can be extended outward from the side of a school bus to provide a signal to other motorists not to pass the bus because it has stopped to load or discharge students. Motorists will be expected to stop until the arm folds away and the lights stop flashing.,” NTSA said.
The Rules 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.
This is in addition to the vehicle displaying the complaints phone number after the words “incase vehicle being driven recklessly”.
Additionally, the rules state that reflectorized red stop signal arms will be installed on the front and rear right hand for over 30 feet vehicles.
Picking & Dropping School Children
NTSA said pick and drop off hours within school zones can be very dangerous for children and measures must be taken to safeguard their safety.
Therefore, it urged school drivers to pick and drop students at the designated points to ensure their safety.
Additionally, the Authority urged adults to serve as role models for school children by adhering to traffic rules.
“Children learn both safe and unsafe behaviors by watching others. They will not use zebra crossings or footpaths if adults don’t use them. Protect them by engaging in safe road user behaviour,” NTSA said.
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NTSA Back to School Checklist
Besides, NTSA published a checklist for drivers and conductors during the back-to-school periods.
Here are the eight 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.
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5.All children have their seat belts on.
6.No excess passengers.
7.No child/body parts are hanging outside the vehicle.
8.Report if a child is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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