The decision to install speed-control devices on school buses throughout the country is a step towards improving safety standards. Beginning this academic year, school buses have been permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 80 km/hr. Along with this, a reverse alarm, a clearly marked reverse exit, an automatic stop arm and front-facing seating arrangements have been made mandatory in all school buses.
Most pupils use school transport every day and keeping them safe on the roads is a primary responsibility. Measures like this will help reduce speeding on the roads and add to the safety mechanisms.
Though the onus of keeping children safe on the road rests with the transport providers, motorists can do their bit by following road signs and rules. Children have been hit with motorists trying to overtake a stationary school bus, even though the stop arm is extended. This is cause for concern. All motorists are equally responsible to make the roads a safer place.
