NTSA Outlines New Stop Signal Arms and Red-Light Indicators on School Buses.
On Tuesday, January 15, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) announced the introduction of new safety features for school buses to enhance child safety.
The features, outlined in a statement, include a “Stop Signal Arm and dual red-light indicator” that will aid in managing traffic during school transport operations.
These additions form part of the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025, developed to address safety concerns for school-going children.
NTSA emphasized that vehicles exceeding 30 feet in length would be required to install reflectorized red stop signal arms at both the front and rear right-hand sides.
The Stop Signal Arm and dual red-light indicator must be engaged when the vehicle is at least thirty meters from a stop or is stationary to allow children to board or alight.
Motorists will be required to comply with these indicators, and violations will attract severe penalties. NTSA highlighted that drivers must remain stationary until the stop arm folds and the lights cease flashing.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the proposed regulations, failing to stop for the signal arm constitutes an offence. Offenders could face a suspension of their driving licenses for no less than six months upon conviction.
The NTSA reiterated its commitment to enforcing these measures to ensure compliance and safeguard children’s lives.
The draft legislation also includes several other measures aimed at improving the safety of school transport:
- Vehicle Attendants:
- Assist students during boarding and alighting.
- Ensure children maintain a safe distance from the vehicle.
- Secure students and their belongings to ensure safety during the trip.
- Monitor student behavior, maintain vehicle cleanliness, and assist the driver in complex traffic situations.
- Provide special assistance to students with disabilities.
- Crossing Guards:
- Direct and manage traffic at school entry and exit points or designated pedestrian crossings.
- Mandatory Vehicle Markings:
- School transport vehicles must display the words “SCHOOL BUS” on the front and rear.
- The rear of the bus must include the phrase “DO NOT PASS WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING” in block letters at least eight inches tall.
- Vehicles must also feature a complaint hotline number below the phrase “IN CASE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN RECKLESSLY CALL.”
The proposed regulations were developed collaboratively by NTSA, the Ministry of Transport, and other key stakeholders in the transport sector. These efforts are geared toward ensuring that school transport systems prioritize student safety and provide clear guidelines for all parties involved.
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Conclusion
The NTSA’s new proposals aim to set a higher standard for school transport safety. By implementing these measures, the government seeks to create a safer environment for students and hold motorists accountable for their actions.
As one NTSA official remarked, “The safety of our children is non-negotiable, and these measures are a significant step forward in safeguarding their journeys to and from school.” Another stakeholder added, “With these regulations, we’re creating a culture of responsibility and vigilance on our roads.”
NTSA Outlines New Stop Signal Arms and Red-Light Indicators on School Buses.
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