The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has called on all road users to prioritize safety as schools prepare to reopen.
In a statement on December 30, NTSA stated that private motorists, public transport operators, school administrators, and parents or guardians share a responsibility in safeguarding children during this busy period.
“In just a few days, thousands of children will be heading back to school. Private motorists, public transport operators, school administrators, and parents/guardians all share a significant responsibility in safeguarding the safety of our children during this busy season,” read part of the advisory.
Road users have been urged to strictly comply with traffic rules, plan journeys carefully, and avoid night travel due to reduced visibility.
NTSA Warns Drivers to Observe Safety Rules as Schools Reopen
The authority reminded vehicle owners to ensure that vehicles used for transporting children are roadworthy, properly maintained, fully licensed, and insured, including valid road service licenses and inspection certificates.
NTSA noted that previous inspections had revealed defects in school transport vehicles, including faulty or non-transmitting speed limiters, defective brakes, missing or faulty seat belts, unstable seats, and malfunctioning door locks.
Parents and guardians have also been advised not to allow children to board non-compliant vehicles.
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Mandatory Vehicle Inspection
NTSA advised motorists to use the remaining days before school reopening to have their vehicles inspected for the mandatory annual inspection.
The transport authority added that all their vehicle inspection centers are fully open and operational.
It has also directed speed limiter vendors to ensure that all gadgets installed on vehicles fully comply with the requirements of KS 2295:2018 including proper functioning, speed limiting, data storage, and real-time transmission to the NTSA system.
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NTSA has called on all road users to adhere to safety measures and work together to reduce risks and ensure the safe return of children to school.
The authority assured the public that multi-agency road safety compliance checks will continue without interruption to maintain the highest standards of safety for students.
“We assure the Nation that multi-agency road safety compliance checks will continue uninterrupted to uphold the highest standards of safety for our children,” ended the statement.
Additionally, NTSA has warned road users to be vigilant and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent accidents during the rainy and foggy conditions.
Authorities have urged drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists to exercise extreme caution while on the roads.
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