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Scholar transport operators feel the heat

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:15

The Department of Transport in the Eastern Cape has prosecuted 173 scholar transport operators since the start of the academic year on 19 January 2011.

The operators, who were stopped at special operations as part of the National Rolling Enforcement Plan, were prosecuted for driving without a licence, driving unlicensed or unregistered vehicles, overloading and driving vehicles with defective steering wheels.

Department officials also caught six learner drivers who were ferrying learners without supervision.

Roads, Transport and Public Works MEC, Thandiswa Marawu, said the department was committed to safeguarding the lives of school children.

“The increased visibility of traffic officers will be a norm as we want to ensure that this year, we start to make our own contribution to the Decade of Action for Road Safety Campaign,” said Marawu.

The department has urged residents to report road accidents and incidents, including misbehaviour on the province’s roads, misuse of government vehicles, damaged road signs and potholes.

The toll free number 0800 644 644.

The following Safety Hints are provided by Arrive Alive www.arrivealive.co.za

Parents are encouraged to teach their youngsters these rules for getting on and off the school bus:

• Dress properly for the weather. Make sure all drawstrings, ties, straps, etc. on all clothing, backpacks and other items, are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in bus doors, railings or aisles.
• Get to the bus stop at least five minutes early.
• When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets, alleys or private property.
• Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches. Wait until the bus has stopped to a complete standstill and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
• Wait for the signal from the driver before approaching the bus.
• Enter the bus in single file.
• Use the hand rail when stepping onto the bus.
• When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed. Never put head, arms or hands out of the window.
• Always listen to the driver's instructions. Be courteous to the driver and other students.
• Listen carefully when the driver or teacher shows you where the emergency exits are.
• Keep aisles clear -- books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency.
• Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together.
• At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then, walk to the front door and exit, using the hand-rail.
• Never crawl under a bus.
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least ten feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can turn around and see the driver. Make sure that the driver can see you. Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross. When the driver signals, walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
• Do not cross the center-line of the road until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking.
• Stay away from the bus' rear wheels at all times.
• Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something.

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