During a formal event conducted at a local school, RTO official Hemangi Patil highlighted the significant influence that schools and educators have in shaping traffic conduct
RTO official Hemangi Patil highlighted the significant influence that schools and educators have in shaping traffic conduct. Represebtational Pic
A regional transport officer in Thane on Thursday appealed to educational institutions to integrate road safety into daily curricula for students, emphasising its importance in accident reduction and fostering a culture of responsible road usage from an early age.
During a formal event conducted at a local school, RTO official Hemangi Patil highlighted the significant influence that schools and educators have in shaping traffic conduct, according to news agency PTI.
"Similarly to the daily teaching of the Maharashtra Geet in schools, road safety should also be incorporated as a routine lesson," she stated.
Children listen to their teachers more than their parents, Patil remarked.
"If children start following traffic rules early, the number of accidents will drastically reduce," she asserted, reported PTI.
She said Maharashtra's Thane city has seen a drop in the number of accidents, and reiterated her goal of achieving a 'zero-accident city' in the near future.
School bus association slams RTO for illegal school vans
The school bus owners' association on Monday blamed the Regional Transport Office (RTOs) for the recent accident involving a school van in Ambernath.
"It highlights concerns about the safety of students being transported in illegal vehicles. Here are some key points to consider. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) is responsible for ensuring that vehicles used for student transportation meet safety standards and regulations. Allowing illegal vans to operate could be a failure on their part. Vehicles with fewer than 12 seats are not permitted to transport children, as per Supreme Court orders. Despite this, some schools and parents seem to be using these vans to save money," Anil Garg, president of the School Bus Owners' Association, said.
"There have been previous accidents involving school vans in the area, and authorities have been informed about the issue multiple times. Yet, action seems to be lacking. The school authorities may also be held accountable for allowing students to use illegal vans for transportation. RTO and traffic authorities should strictly enforce regulations and penalise those who don't comply. Parents need to prioritise their children's safety over cost savings and opt for authorised school buses or transportation services.
Regular inspections of vehicles used for student transportation can help prevent accidents," he added.
"The continued use of illegal vans puts students' lives at risk. Authorities and schools may be held liable for accidents involving unauthorised vehicles. It's crucial for authorities, schools, and parents to work together to ensure student safety," he explained.
RTO officials said they would initiate action against vans working as school buses and ensure compliance.
Two children were injured after falling off a speeding school van when its rear door opened in Ambernath town in Thane district on Monday, police said.
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Kalyan stated that action will be taken against the school van under the School Bus Rules, 2011, and relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act after document verification.
According to the police, the van driver didn't stop after the children fell on the road and continued driving.
(With PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
