Safety tips for managing learners on scholar transport – EMPD
It is imperative to place one’s child in a scholar transport which is compliant with the National Road Traffic Act of 93/96.
EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Kelebogile Thepa said the law regards scholar transport as a form of public transport for which an operating licence is applicable.
In this regard, scholar transport refers to the transportation of a learner from home to school and back home.
With schools back in full swing and only in the first term of the year, the EMPD advises parents to take full responsibility and any necessary steps for the safety of their children.
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It is imperative to place one’s child in a scholar transport that complies with the National Road Traffic Act of 93/96.
Thepa said those who transport children to school must have a professional driving permit, ID indicating their name, an ID number, the kind of vehicle they are permitted to drive, and the owner or holder’s name of the operating license, a first aid certificate and advanced or defensive driving qualification.
“It is the responsibility of parents to make sure their children are placed in the correct and roadworthy transport with all safety measures in place.”
It is also imperative for parents who do not use scholar transport to provide supervision to accompany a child who walks to and from school and to make sure the child walks in groups.
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Parents should prepare their children early for school to avoid rush hour.
“Parents are urged to teach their children to obey the scholar patrol at school and use the pedestrian crossing.
“Teach the child not to talk to strangers or get into any unknown vehicles, to always wait for the school transport at the designated stop, and to avoid playing far away from the schoolyard when waiting for scholar transport.”