For the well-being of your child

Safety Wise

A recent incident in which Jaskiran Chawla, Std X student lost his life when he stuck his head out of the bus window to buy ice cream, raises questions  about what more needs to be done to ensure safety of school children.

The question becomes even more valid since the school bus was complying with the guidelines laid out by Supreme Court.

Despite the horizontal grills on the windows, as prescribed by the SC, Jaskiran did take out his head leading to this unfortunate incident. His head smashed against an electricity pole when the driver unknowingly increased the speed of the bus.

As Metrolife talks to school principals and teachers, some say it was an accident that could have happened anywhere, while some believe that the present guidelines aren’t enough.

Ameeta Mulla Wattal, Principal, Springdales School, Pusa Road, says accidents can happen anytime and anywhere but it is time the SC takes a relook at its guidelines as overcrowding in buses is a major problem.

“The Supreme Court guidelines allow half more children than the bus’ capacity. In that case, it is not easy for teachers or attendants to monitor every child. School managements happily follow this guideline because it suits them,” she says.

Besides, even though majority of school buses have horizontal grills on their windows it does not stop the students from taking out their heads or hands out. Especially since the bars are placed on the lower end of the windows and leaves enough room for the children to stand on the seats and lean out from the top end.

According to guidelines, ‘School Bus’ must be written on the back and front of the bus, if it is a hired bus; ‘On School Duty’ should be clearly indicated; the bus must have a first-aid-box; there must be a fire extinguisher in the bus; school name and telephone number must be written on the bus; the doors of the bus should be fitted with reliable locks and there must be an attendant from the school in the bus.

Anita Malhotra, Principal, Lotus Valley International School, Gurgaon, says schools are doing as much as they can but sometimes drivers do not understand the value of life.
“Sometimes drivers are neither bothered nor qualified.

They do not understand that so many lives are in their hands. Most schools outsou­r­ce buses and drivers, from agencies which don’t even know the school’s credentials. It is important to hold workshops for them and make them understand the responsibility they have,” she says.

An accident like the one mentioned can happen anywhere in any vehicle. Therefore, schools think that onus lies as much on children and parents as on them.

Neenu Singh, teacher, Bal Bharati Public School, says children need to be made aware both by schools and parents till it becomes a habit.

“Children go out with their parents every day. Besides their teachers, parents must also inculcate in them to what extent taking body parts out of a moving vehicle’s windows can be dangerous,” says Neenu.

Anita agrees and says, “Counselling by both will definitely help children realise how precious their life is.”