The Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has announced an intensive school bus safety campaign starting yesterday, November 18, and running through Friday, November 22.
This initiative aims to enhance road safety for school transportation by ensuring compliance with regulations and addressing common risks such as speeding and driver distractions.
Focus of the campaign
During the campaign, officers from the Guardia Civil Traffic Unit and participating local police forces will conduct thorough checks on school buses. The inspections will cover:
- Speed compliance: Ensuring buses adhere to speed limits.
- Driver distractions: Monitoring for mobile phone use or other behaviours that could lead to accidents.
- Seat belt use: Verifying that seat belts are used where installed, given their critical role in reducing injury during accidents.
- Driver sobriety: Conducting tests for alcohol and drug consumption among drivers.
- Vehicle and driver documentation: Checking for valid authorisations, licenses, and compliance with operational requirements, such as driving hours and rest periods.
- Vehicle safety standards: Inspecting technical conditions and safety features to ensure they meet regulatory standards.
Common causes of school bus accidents
The DGT highlights that the most frequent causes of accidents involving school buses are:
- Inappropriate speed: Driving too fast for the conditions or exceeding speed limits.
- Distractions: Activities such as using mobile phones while driving.
Results of the last campaign
A similar campaign conducted from May 27 to 31 earlier this year revealed concerning statistics:
- Vehicles inspected: Over 6,600 school buses were checked across 273 municipalities.
- Violations detected: 1,928 vehicles were reported for various infractions, including safety and documentation breaches.
Importance of road safety for school transport
The DGT emphasises the critical nature of road safety in school transportation, given its role in protecting vulnerable young passengers. By intensifying inspections and focusing on key risk factors, the campaign seeks to reduce the likelihood of accidents and ensure safer journeys for children.
This initiative underscores the DGT’s ongoing commitment to improving road safety across Spain, with school transport receiving special attention due to its societal importance.