The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has drafted new measures in a bid to enhance the safety of learners while using school vehicles.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 15, NTSA disclosed in the measures, which are contained in the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025, vehicles over 30 feet shall have reflectorized red stop signal arms on the front and rear right hand.
The authority explained that the stop sign arms will be used by the vehicle while it is at least thirty meters from a stop and when it stops to allow school children to alight or board.
"To enhance the safety of our children, the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025, envisions that where a vehicle is over 30 feet, the vehicle shall install reflectorized red stop signal arms on the front and rear right hand.
"The stop signal arm and dual red-light indicator shall be used by the vehicle while it is at least thirty meters from a stop or is stopped on a road to permit school children to board or alight from it," NTSA stated.
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It added that the signal arm will extend outwards from the side of a school bus, signalling other motorists to stop and avoid passing while the bus is loading or unloading students.
The authority noted that motorists on the road will be expected to stop until the arm folds away and the lights stop flashing.
In the new measures, NTSA further intimated that crossing guards will be used for purposes of directing, controlling and managing traffic at the areas of entry into or exit from a school or at areas designated as pedestrian crossings.
It also added that vehicle attendants will be used in school transport vehicles.
"Pick and drop-off hours within school zones can be very dangerous for children and measures must be taken to safeguard their safety," NTSA stated.
