6-year-old Indian boy died after he was forgotten on a bus for several hours at an Islamic centre in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi - "They should make sure that no student has been left behind."
Published: Wed 17 Jul 2019, 1:42 PM
Updated: Wed 17 Jul 2019, 6:02 PM
School bus drivers and supervisors in the Capital have been reminded to strictly follow safety guidelines, including the routine of checking their buses after pupils have disembarked.
The reminder was part of the discussions during an awareness workshop conducted recently by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in Abu Dhabi, aiming to enhance the safety and security of schoolchildren's transportation.
In June this year, a six-year-old Indian boy died after he was forgotten on a bus for several hours at an Islamic centre in Dubai. According to family sources, the boy had dozed off after boarding the bus from Karama. He was left behind after all the other students disembarked outside the centre at 8am.
"It is a necessity and the responsibility of drivers and supervisors to check the condition of their buses every day and ensure its safety," an ICT official said at the workshop.
"After the students have disembarked and before the bus is parked, the drivers and supervisors should make sure that no student has been left behind."
Officials noted that first aid kits should be available on the buses and that drivers should comply with the speed limits. Staying on the bus lane throughout the trip is also a must, they said. Drivers and supervisors should oblige every child to wear a seat belt, too.
"Stop wings or warning signs must be used every time students get off the bus and when crossing the roads after they have disembarked," said the official.
Authorities said students under the age of 11 are required to be provided with assistance to safely cross the street and to be handed to their parents or guardians.
The workshop also reminded drivers on the fines and most recurring and dangerous offences, along with their legal implications that may result in the termination of contracts and deportation of the violator.
The ICT said the session was one of a series of workshops that have been planned for the summer season, in preparation for the next academic year.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
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