The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a safety notice to motorists and school administrators ahead of the reopening of schools, highlighting key requirements that must be met by vehicles transporting learners.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The authority urged school administrators to ensure that all school transport vehicles are roadworthy, properly inspected and compliant with road safety regulations before they are allowed to ferry learners.

NTSA said vehicles must have valid inspection certificates, Road Service Licence (RSL) and insurance before taking children to school, warning operators against putting unroadworthy vehicles on the road.

Further, the authority also reminded drivers and school transport operators to ensure that speed governors installed in their vehicles are functional and transmitting data to the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).

📌 What You Need to Know

“As schools prepare to reopen, all school administrators are urged to ensure that their transport vehicles are roadworthy and compliant with safety regulations,” the authority said.

Drivers were further advised to service their vehicles before schools reopen, with particular attention to critical components including brakes, tyres, lights and side mirrors.

At the same time, NTSA also highlighted the need for drivers and conductors to have a valid driving licence (DL) and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badges while operating school transport vehicles.

The authority warned against carrying excess passengers, urging drivers and conductors to ensure that all learners are seated properly and have their seat belts fastened throughout the journey.

Additionally, drivers and conductors were also cautioned against allowing children to hang any part of their bodies outside vehicles, a practice that can expose learners to serious injuries in the event of an accident.

NTSA further urged school transport operators to report cases where a child is suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as part of measures to enhance learner safety during transportation.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke