The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has taken a significant step towards improving school transport safety in Kenya with the unveiling of new draft regulations. These rules focus on enhancing the visibility and safety of school buses, aiming to protect children traveling to and from school.
Key Provisions of the Draft Rules:
Stop Signal Arms and Red-Light Indicators: School buses exceeding 30 feet in length will be required to install reflectors and red stop signal arms on both the front and rear right-hand sides. These, in conjunction with dual red-light indicators, will be activated when the vehicle stops to pick up or drop off children. This will alert other motorists to stop and allow children to safely board or alight from the vehicle.
Enhanced Visibility: School buses will be mandated to prominently display "School Bus" on both the front and rear. Additionally, the rear of the vehicle will feature the phrase "Do Not Pass When Red Lights Are Flashing" in clear, bold lettering. These measures will increase the visibility of school buses and alert other drivers to exercise caution.
Accountability and Public Reporting: To ensure accountability, school buses will be required to display a complaint phone number with the instruction "Incase Vehicle Being Driven Recklessly Call." This will empower the public to report any instances of reckless driving by school bus drivers.
A Step Towards Safer School Transport
These new regulations align with global best practices for school transport safety and represent a crucial step towards protecting children while traveling to and from school. By enhancing the visibility of school buses and implementing clear safety protocols, NTSA aims to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the safe and secure transportation of students.
