The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a safety checklist for school administrators aimed at ensuring the safe transportation of learners when schools reopen.

In the advisory issued on Monday, April 20, NTSA highlighted the need for strict adherence to road safety measures, particularly by institutions that rely on school buses and vans to transport students.

The authority urges schools to only use vehicles that are roadworthy, noting that poorly maintained vehicles significantly increase the risk of accidents.

School administrators have also been directed to ensure that all drivers hired to operate school transport vehicles are qualified and properly licensed.

Additionally, the checklist requires that all school buses be equipped with functional safety belts.

The authority further calls on schools to actively supervise and monitor driver conduct, including enforcing discipline and ensuring that drivers adhere to traffic regulations at all times.

Further, NTSA directs schools to ensure that both drivers and conductors are sober while on duty.

The checklist also underscores the importance of using designated and approved routes for school transport. 

Schools are advised to ensure that buses and vans do not deviate from safe and established routes when picking up or dropping off students.

“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.