Scholar transport operators warned to prioritise safety in new term
Gauteng Traffic Police called upon scholar transport drivers to ensure that their vehicles are safe and compliant after several incidents were recorded in the first term.
The Gauteng traffic police (GTP) are calling upon all scholar transport drivers to prioritise the safety of learners as they return to school for the second term of the academic year.
Several incidents were recorded in the first term, relating to scholar transport.
GTP spokesperson Sello Maremane said drivers must exercise the highest safety standards and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
“The operators must ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, must have a valid driver’s licence, and that their vehicles are equipped with the necessary safety features, such as seatbelts and the appropriate child restraints.”
Maremane said scholar transportation plays an important role in ensuring that learners have access to education, especially those in areas where public transport may be limited.
“However, it is important that the drivers strictly adhere to the rules of the road and exercise caution at all times,” he said.
“Drivers must adhere to the prescribed speed limits, exercise patience, avoid overloading of learners, distractions, reckless and negligent driving.”
He encouraged parents to monitor the condition of their children’s scholar transport vehicle and report any unscrupulous and illegal behaviour of drivers on 0800 22 88 27.
“The GTP will continue to conduct law enforcement operations to monitor road users to ensure safety on the road.”
He also advised motorists to exercise caution and drive slowly where children are present using crosswalks and pedestrian crossings.
The following accidents involving scholar transport were recorded in the first term of the academic year:
- On February 1, a Grade 6 Modiselle primary school boy learner tragically lost his life in an accident in Ga-Rankuwa.
The tragic incident occurred in the afternoon as learners were going home.
Gauteng MEC for education Matome Chiloane alleged the learner fell off the bus and its rear wheels ran him over.
“Indeed, this is terribly saddening news. School transport is an initiative that forms part of our critical interventions to alleviate pressure off parents. As such, we expect our learners to be safely transported to school and back home,” he said.
- In Soshanguve on February 7, about 10 learners were transported to local health facilities after their scholar transport crashed and overturned.
An EMS spokesperson said ten patients were admitted with injuries ranging from minor to critical, with one transported to Dr George Mukhari Hospital in a critical but stable condition while the rest were transported to Botshilo clinic with minor to moderate injuries.
- On February 8, scores of Pretoria learners had to be rushed to emergency medical facilities for observation in Kameeldrift.
The school bus veered off Roux Road in Kameeldrift West close to Laerskool Kameeldrift after a mechanical failure.
The bus carried 54 learners, but the number of the injured was unverified. No serious injury was reported though.
The Road Key recommendations for scholar transport operators:
Vehicle Roadworthiness Checks: Prioritise comprehensive vehicle inspections to identify and rectify any mechanical or safety issues. These include assessing brakes, tyres, lights, and all other critical components.
Regular Maintenance: Establish a routine maintenance schedule for vehicles. Promptly address any wear and tear and ensure that all necessary repairs are carried out by qualified professionals.
Documentation Renewal: Verify that all necessary documents, including vehicle licence discs, are up-to-date. It is crucial to renew these documents well in advance to ensure compliance with the law.
To renew without hassles, drivers can log on to online.natis.gov.za. One can opt for their discs to be delivered to your doorstep.
Driver Training and Certification: Ensure all drivers are adequately trained and certified with valid professional driving permits.
Road safety and responsible driving behaviour, especially when transporting learners are important.
Emergency Preparedness: Equip vehicles with the necessary safety and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers.
The RTMC emphasised compliance with these recommendations is not only a legal obligation but a moral responsibility towards the safety and well-being of the learners who rely on scholar transport services.
ALSO READ: Soshanguve crash leaves 10 learners injured
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