An accident involving a school bus on Thursday morning in Sharjah resulted in minor injuries to three students and two supervisors. Sharjah Police reported that the mishap occurred when the bus driver made a sudden turn, causing the vehicle to drift and collide with the pavement.
The injured individuals were promptly transported to a hospital for treatment, Khaleej Times reported. In response to the incident, the police reassured concerned parents that all students from the private school are safe and in good health following the accident.
The authorities emphasized the critical importance of adhering to traffic rules and exercising caution while driving school buses. They highlighted the comprehensive set of regulations in place for school transportation in the UAE, underscoring the commitment to ensuring the safety of children.
In an effort to enhance school bus safety, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) had previously installed cameras and safety devices in 2,000 buses, enabling parents to monitor their children’s journey to and from school. Additionally, GPS devices were fitted to the buses before the pandemic, facilitating real-time tracking by SPEA and the operations room of Emirates Transport.
The article also notes recent inspections by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which revealed instances of bus drivers operating without the necessary permits. Over 6,323 inspections were carried out in the latter half of 2023, underscoring the rigorous enforcement of regulations. Drivers must meet specific criteria, including age, conduct, and medical fitness, to obtain a permit for operating school buses, taxis, and limousines.
Furthermore, school transport attendants are required to obtain a permit from the RTA, ensuring they meet the standards of conduct, age, and health necessary for the role.