New safety standards implemented for school transport vehicles in Bahrain

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has implemented new safety standards for school transport vehicles in Bahrain.

These regulations, which came to light through a document sent to drivers and bus owners, outline the requirements for obtaining and renewing licenses for school bus drivers, including a detailed list of safety features and equipment that must be installed on the vehicles.

The new regulations emphasize the importance of rear view sensors, as well as the installation of cameras in school buses.

Buses with a capacity of 25 passengers or less must have two cameras: one to monitor the interior of the bus and another for rearview.

Buses with a capacity of 26 passengers or more are required to have three cameras, two for the interior and one for rearview.

The document also highlights the importance of fire extinguishers, with two required for each bus, one near the driver’s seat and the other near the door, and clearly marked.

Large mirrors on both sides and the front of the bus are mandatory for buses with a capacity of 26 passengers or more, allowing the driver to have a complete view of the vehicle.

A first-aid kit, appropriate for the number of passengers, must be present in the bus, with a clear label indicating its location.

A “School Bus” sticker must be placed on the left side of the rear of the bus, and a sticker displaying the driver’s number and the number of passengers must be placed both inside and outside the bus.

A “No Smoking” sign must be displayed inside the bus.

The document also emphasises the importance of maintaining the functionality of the air conditioning system, the condition of the seats and upholstery, and the proper closure of the left-side door (if present).

‘Stop’ sign

Additionally, buses with a capacity of 16 passengers or more must have an automatic “Stop” sign on the left side, activated when the door is opened. Buses with fixed windows are required to have at least four glass-breaking hammers.

Other safety equipment includes reflective warning triangles, a first-aid kit, and the display of the school’s name and logo in Arabic on both sides of the vehicle.

The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has stated that these new regulations are designed to enhance the safety of school children during their transportation to and from school.