NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 15 — The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has proposed new measures aimed at improving children’s safety as they board and disembark from school buses.
NTSA revealed plans to introduce crossing guards at designated locations among key measures.
The guards will be responsible for directing, controlling, and managing traffic in areas where students enter or exit schools or at designated pedestrian crossings.
The Authority also proposes vehicle attendants in school transport vehicles to assist students during embarking and disembarking.
“Pick-up and drop-off hours within school zones can be very dangerous for children, and measures must be taken to safeguard their safety,” NTSA said on Wednesday.
Stop signals
Additionally, NTSA proposes equipping school buses with a reflectorized red ‘stop signal arm’ at the front and rear for vehicles longer than 30 feet.
The ‘stop signal arm’ is a device that extends outward from the side of a school bus to signal other motorists to stop while students are boarding or alighting.
“Motorists will be expected to stop until the arm folds away and the lights stop flashing,” NTSA added.
NTSA proposed in the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2024 that anyone who fails to stop for a school bus would be guilty of an offense and, upon conviction, would face suspension of their driving license for at least six months.
Also proposed, is a requirement that all school transport vehicles be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher conforming to applicable standards, readily accessible for use.
Furthermore, all school buses are to be fitted with a vehicular telematics system, including a passenger-facing camera.
The buses will also be required to display the words ‘SCHOOL BUS’ on both the front and rear.
Additionally, the rear of the buses must include the words ‘DO NOT PASS WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING’ in block letters at least 8 inches tall in black.
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