LOGROO, 10 (EUROPA PRESS)
Next week, from December 12 to 16, the DGT is carrying out a campaign to monitor and control school transport. 90 percent of the accidents that occur during school transport take place at the time of getting on or off the vehicle, or in the immediate moments, and in many cases they are hit-and-runs caused by the distraction of the minor, the driver of the school transportation or companions.
During this campaign, the agents will intensify inspections of vehicles used for school transport, verifying that the authorizations and documents that said vehicles must have are correct for the provision of the service.
Likewise, they will verify that the technical conditions and safety elements of the vehicle are those required by the regulations, as well as the special requirements that the driver himself must meet, such as the driving license or driving and rest times.
Improper speed and distractions are the main causes of accidents involving this type of vehicle.
Since 2013, all new buses in the EU must have an emergency braking system that activates automatically when it detects the possibility of a collision.
On the other hand, since the 2007-2008 school year, all vehicles dedicated to school transport must meet the requirements contained in RD 443/2001 of April 27 on safety conditions in school transport and minors.
It establishes various requirements such as the obligation for minors to be accompanied on the bus by a duly qualified person, the maximum age of vehicles intended for this type of passenger, unlimited civil liability insurance or the obligation to carry an identification sign. school transportation, among others, of singular importance. Since October 2007, registration has been denied to any bus that does not have retention systems installed.
A minor without any type of retention multiplies by five the chances of suffering fatal injuries. Nine out of ten serious or fatal child injuries could have been prevented if this type of device had been used.
The seat belt is useful on any journey, short or long, urban or interurban.
