Like the loco pilots of passenger trains especially those fall in the category of superfast, express and now Vande Bharat trains should have relatively higher experience as compared to those steering the goods trains and other less priority rakes, there is dire need that drivers of school buses and school vans must also have a specific required experience and some kind of specialized training to ferry young kids to schools and back home as they have a greater responsibility to fulfill as compared to drivers of other vehicles operating to handle commercial activities.
It has become a trend that whenever a school bus or a van carrying students gets involved in an accident, the traffic cops and other concerned authorities come into action and start checking and doing all kinds of things to streamline the school bus ecosystem but after the passage of time, things again turn sluggish and those manning the affairs of school buses in educational institutions start allowing things which are not safe and can put the lives of children and teachers into deep danger.
In this context, reportedly, seven students and three teachers sustained injuries when a school bus they were travelling in turned turtle near Mansar Morh in Samba District. The bus was ferrying students and staff of a private school of Nanke Chak in Vijaypur area. Although the police has arrested the driver, the big question is why such a thing has happened when instructions regarding safe driving have been issued from time to time.
Of course, there are strict regulations regarding the driving and maintenance of school buses but it is an open secret that many students attend schools on private vans and even buses which have not gone through rigorous inspections meant exclusively for the school buses. The safety of young children traveling in school buses is a matter of paramount importance as the youngest members of society symbolize the hope and future of numerous families.
Establishing a persistent mechanism to ensure the safety of these precious passengers is not just a necessity but an ethical imperative that demands concerted efforts from stakeholders. School buses, serving as mobile classrooms transporting the budding minds of the nation, must be safeguarded by robust safety protocols.
In Jammu and Kashmir, where the diverse topography and occasionally challenging weather conditions pose unique challenges, a sustained mechanism becomes all the more crucial. The safety of these young commuters is a shared responsibility that involves collaboration between educational institutions, transportation authorities, and parents. One key aspect of a persistent safety mechanism involves stringent regulation and regular inspections of school buses.
Authorities should enforce compliance with safety standards, ensuring that buses are well-maintained, equipped with safety features, and driven by trained and responsible individuals. Regular audits and surprise inspections can serve as deterrents against lapses in adherence to safety guidelines. In addition, technological advancements can play a pivotal role in enhancing the safety of school buses. The installation of GPS tracking systems, surveillance cameras, and communication devices can provide real-time monitoring and swift response capabilities.
