What Are the Rules for School Bus Drivers?

School buses play a vital role in transporting children safely to and from school. As children are among the most vulnerable road users, it is essential for school bus drivers to adhere to strict safety guidelines and traffic rules. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and additional regulations ensure that school bus drivers follow specific protocols to ensure the safety of children. These rules cover everything from the driver's qualifications to operational procedures and safety equipment on the bus.

Key Rules for School Bus Drivers:

Driver's Qualifications and Licensing:

• Valid Driver's License: School bus drivers must have a valid commercial driver’s license (also known as a heavy passenger vehicle license) issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
• Age Requirement: The driver must be at least 25 years old and have a minimum of 5 years of driving experience.
• Medical Fitness: The driver must undergo regular medical fitness tests, including eyesight and hearing tests, to ensure they are physically capable of driving.

Vehicle Condition and Inspection:

• Periodic Vehicle Inspections: School buses must be regularly inspected by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to ensure that they are roadworthy and comply with safety standards.
• Safety Features: The bus should be equipped with proper braking systems, working indicators, horns, emergency exits, and fire extinguishers.
• Speed Limits: The bus should not exceed a speed limit of 40-50 km/h in school zones, and the driver must follow the prescribed speed limits.

School Bus Markings and Identification:

• School Bus Signage: The bus must be clearly marked with the words SCHOOL BUS in bold and visible letters. It should also have a distinctive color (typically yellow) and reflectors for better visibility.
• Identification of Driver and Attendant: The school bus should have a driver's identity card and, if applicable, an attendant's card visible to authorities. The driver and attendant must be readily identifiable.

Safety of Children:

• Loading and Unloading of Students: The bus driver should ensure that children board and disembark from the bus safely. The driver must stop the bus at the designated pick-up or drop-off point and wait for children to board or leave the bus before moving again.
• Use of Seat Belts: If seat belts are provided, children must be instructed to wear them. The driver should ensure that students do not move around while the bus is in motion.
• No Overcrowding: The bus must not exceed its capacity in terms of the number of passengers, ensuring there is enough space for each student.

Traffic Rules and Conduct:

• Obey Traffic Signals: School bus drivers must follow all traffic signals, particularly in school zones, and adhere to rules regarding stop signs and crosswalks.
• Stop for School Bus Signals: When the bus stops to pick up or drop off children, the driver must activate the flashing red lights and the STOP arm to alert other drivers that the bus is unloading children. Other vehicles must stop and wait until the bus resumes motion.
• Speed Limits in School Zones: The driver must reduce speed to 30 km/h or lower in school zones during school hours.

Conducting of Emergency Drills and Preparedness:

• Emergency Drills: School bus drivers must conduct periodic emergency drills with students to ensure that they know how to evacuate the bus safely in case of an emergency.
• First Aid Kit: The bus should carry a first aid kit that is easily accessible in case of an accident or health-related incident on the bus.

Behavioral Conduct and Responsibility:

• No Distractions: The driver must avoid using mobile phones or engaging in any other distracting activities while driving.
• No Consumption of Alcohol/Drugs: The driver is prohibited from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Random tests may be conducted to ensure the driver’s sobriety.
• Proper Communication with School Authorities: The driver should maintain constant communication with school authorities and report any accidents, delays, or issues related to the bus service.

Example:

In Mumbai, a school bus driver is caught driving over the speed limit in a school zone. The authorities fine the school, and the bus driver is penalized for violating the speed limit. Additionally, the driver is asked to attend a safety awareness course before resuming work. The school is required to ensure that the driver adheres to all safety protocols, including regular medical checks and vehicle inspections. The bus also needs to be equipped with functional seat belts and an emergency evacuation plan.

Conclusion:

School bus drivers are subject to strict regulations designed to protect the safety and well-being of students. These rules cover everything from driver qualifications, vehicle safety, adherence to traffic laws, to maintaining student discipline on the bus. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines, suspension, or other legal actions. Schools must ensure their drivers are properly trained and their vehicles meet all safety standards to ensure children’s safety during transit.