KUALA LUMPUR – The government must implement strict new laws focusing on school bus operators, compelling them to install better security systems such as sensors and cameras on vehicles that they operate.
Universiti Putra Malaysia road safety expert Assoc Prof Law Teik Hua said such measures should be made “compulsory” and must be followed to the letter without any excuse.
He added that if there are no laws or specific directives from the government to better tackle accidents involving school buses and pedestrians, then the problems are bound to recur.
“It is the responsibility of the Transport Ministry to issue such guidelines that could effectively resolve the issue of school bus accidents.
“If all the guidelines are properly and comprehensively listed out, then school bus accidents involving children under five-years-old could be resolved,” he said when contacted by The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal, Getaran.
According to Law, among the safety features that should be installed in school buses is a sensor system, as well as a 360-degree surveillance camera, and another conductor to help the driver keep an eye on their surroundings.
Clearly, the conductor also needs to watch out for the students’ “onboard and offboarding process” by escorting them from the bus to the school gates or their homes.
Furthermore, the conductor also needs to be mindful of the students’ safety while they are on the bus.
“This has clearly worked in Japan as they made it compulsory for all school buses to have one other attendant that helps the driver and watches out for the students,” he said.
The academic explained that the use of a sensor system and a 360-degree surveillance camera are the best non-human intensive options that bus drivers can implement.
He added that the government would be able to acquire the equipment at a lower cost if it becomes mandatory for school bus operators to install them.
Law, who is also a board member of the Malaysian Road Safety Research Institute, said the government should set up a special committee to find the best course of action to resolve this issue.
“Do not just ‘sweep it under the rug’ in this matter because if it is not resolved, it could be a serious matter in the future,” he said.
Law’s recommendation came after a 16-month-old girl was killed after she was hit by a school bus in front of her house in Taman Anggerik, Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi in Sepang on Thursday.
Sepang police chief Wan Kamarul Azran Wan Yusof said the toddler was believed to have been running after her sister who came out of the house to board the bus in the 12.15pm incident.
The toddler was confirmed to have died due to injuries sustained on her head and body. – The Vibes, May 28, 2022
