The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has heightened efforts to ensure road safety ahead of the reopening of schools on Monday for the second term.
The reopening had been postponed indefinitely due to the dangers posed by the heavy rain and the resultant flooding, which have claimed at least 267 lives so far.
NTSA Road Safety Manager Samuel Musumba said they were collaborating with traffic police nationwide to keep students safe on their journeys back to school.
Musumba noted that, given the recent weather conditions, most roads were in a bad state, hence the need for drivers to be cautious. He warned them against speeding, reckless overtaking, overloading and driving under the influence of alcohol.
“Public transport operators of PSVs, please adhere to all traffic regulations and [the] speed [limit], especially as we transfer these children to schools. Let’s not have any incidences of speeding,” he said in a notice on Sunday.
“Ensure all the vehicles are well maintained, roadworthy and have functioning safety features. Please ensure the children are in safe conditions. Avoid overloading vehicles and maintain a very safe distance as the roads are very slippery.”
Parents were urged to ensure their children board PSVs and school buses that are compliant with the authority’s measures.
“I urge all parents, guardians, students, school management, and public transport operators to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone during this time,” Musumba said.
“Parents and guardians, we understand that this is a very hectic time for you but please plan your child’s travel back to school in advance, considering safety and convenience. If possible, accompany your child to the bus station or even to school, especially under these hazardous weather conditions.”
In the event that the school is providing transportation, parents were directed to maintain communication with the management and the driver.
“Communicate with them on the time for travel and even while on the journey, just keep in touch and get to know about the condition of that vehicle,” the NTSA official said.
He also advised parents to communicate to their children about the importance of following safety precautions while using public transport or even walking to school.
Further, commuters were asked to report any instances of reckless driving or violations of traffic rules.
The free NTSA mobile application, available on the Google Play Store, is to be used to verify the validity of licences issued to drivers, school transport vehicles and PSVs.
