Students’ Dangerous Behaviour On Buses

The Accident Compensation Commission, Fiji (ACCF) notes with concern recent observations of dangerous and unruly behaviour by students on buses.

ACCF CEO, Mr Parvez Akbar reminds students, teachers, parents and bus drivers/ owners on the importance of safety in buses, particularly given the upcoming Coke Games commencing this week.

Students are regularly observed behaving dangerously on buses, including sitting on window ledges with half their bodies hanging out of the bus, and trying to hit or slap signposts along the road.

These actions can result in serious injuries and even death. Safety on buses is everyone’s responsibility, including students, bus drivers/ owners, parents, teachers and schools.

Everyone needs to understand that bus drivers have significant responsibilities. Not only are they steering a large vehicle, they are doing so with a sizeable group of people.

In these circumstances it is crucial that the bus driver is not distracted by unsafe and dangerous behaviour. Bus drivers must also ensure that the safety of their passengers and the public is paramount.

It is critically important that bus drivers must only proceed with their journey when it is safe to do so.

Teachers and schools can also assist by creating awareness with students about the importance of road safety, in particular, safety while travelling in buses.

ACCF provides the following safety advice for students travelling on buses:

• Only enter a bus through the door.
• Do not rush and run inside a bus.
• Obey the driver’s instructions.
• Keep your hands and legs inside the bus.
• Remain seated while the bus is moving and do not sit on window ledges.

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj