Following a school trip accident in Mityana district, Uganda Police has issued strict guidelines for school trips.
At least two pupils died in an accident in Zigoti on Sunday, August 03, when the bus they were travelling in from a trip Kasese overturned.
SP Michael Kananura, the spokesperson of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety of Uganda Police Force (UPF), says the accident should serve as a wakeup call to school heads and teachers to be serious about the safety of learners during school trips.
“This incident serves as a stern reminder to all school administrators: safety and well-being of pupils must be treated with the utmost seriousness,” noted SP Kananura.
“Children cannot make decisions for themselves; it is the responsibility of schools to ensure all necessary precautions are taken when planning such trips. The lives of our children are too precious to be left to chance.”
Police has now “strongly” urged schools to follow a number of guidelines to ensure safety of pupils or students during school trips.
Schools have been told to “avoid return journeys after long-distance school tours.”
“Overnight rest should be planned to prevent fatigue-related crashes,” added Kananura.
Police also wants schools to “thoroughly inspect and verify the mechanical condition of all hired vehicles.”
Schools have also been directed to “ensure that drivers are professionally qualified, hold valid licenses and are sober, with no traces of alcohol before driving.”
During the trips, schools have also been told to collaborate with police. They have also been directed to use the Inspectorate of Vehicles (IOV) to assess vehicle road worthiness.
Police also wants schools to “vet drivers thoroughly before allowing them to transport children.”
Schools are also expected to “conduct alcohol tests where necessary.”
It should be remembered that the driver of the bus carrying Kampala schools pupils was reportedly asleep when the vehicle overturned, killing two pupils in Mityana. (See Details Here).
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