An accident involving a school bus occurred on Thursday morning in Sharjah, resulting in three students and two supervisors sustaining minor injuries. The incident occurred when the school bus made a sudden turn, drifted, and collided with the pavement, as reported by the Sharjah Police.
The injured individuals were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have assured parents of the students attending the private school that their children are safe and in good health following the accident. The incident underscores the critical importance of careful driving and adherence to traffic rules, particularly for school buses responsible for transporting young passengers.
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School buses in the UAE are subject to strict regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of students. Last year, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) installed cameras and safety devices in 2,000 buses, allowing parents to monitor their children’s journeys to and from school. Additionally, GPS devices were installed on buses before the pandemic, enabling real-time tracking and monitoring by relevant authorities.
In a separate development earlier this year, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revealed instances where bus drivers were caught operating without the necessary permits during inspections conducted between July and December 2023. To obtain a permit, drivers must undergo comprehensive training, pass relevant tests administered by the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, and meet specific eligibility criteria. These include being of good conduct, having no criminal record, and providing a medical fitness certificate from an approved medical center.
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Similarly, school transport attendants or bus aides are also required to obtain permits from the RTA, demonstrating good conduct, meeting age requirements, passing prescribed tests, and maintaining medical fitness.
The incident underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to enforce safety standards and regulations within the school transportation sector, ensuring the well-being and security of students during their daily commutes.
