Cops to launch special drive to ensure school bus safety

The Haryana Police will launch a special campaign to inspect school buses and their drivers to prevent road accidents and ensure that all safety norms are strictly followed while transporting schoolchildren.

Director-General of Police (DGP) OP Singh issued directives to field officers in all districts across the state through his social media handle after taking cognisance of an incident in which a school bus hit an electric pole in Rewari on Friday. He also attached an image of the media report along with his instructions.

In the incident, a school bus carrying around 40 children collided with an electric pole on Nandrampur Bas Road in Rewari district, causing panic among the students. Fortunately, there was no electric current in the pole at the time, preventing a major tragedy. The bus, belonging to a private school in Dharuhera town, lost control and struck both a pole and a tree with such force that the pole broke.

This is not the only case of negligence involving school buses. Several such incidents have been reported in the past, including a tragic accident in April 2024, when six children were killed and 22 others injured after a private school bus overturned near Unhani village in Mahendragarh district. The investigation revealed that the driver was intoxicated at the time and lost control of the vehicle.

“School buses are required to follow strict safety rules under the Surakshit School Vahan Policy. These include valid fitness and pollution certificates, CCTV cameras, speed governors, first-aid boxes, and fire extinguishers. Drivers must have a valid commercial licence with at least two years of experience, wear uniforms with nameplates, and undergo regular medical check-ups. Using mobile phones or driving under the influence is strictly prohibited,” said an official.

He said a female attendant must accompany children on every trip, and schools were responsible for ensuring full compliance. Any violations could result in penalties, impounding of vehicles, or even disaffiliation of the institution.

Rohtak SP Surender Singh Bhoria said following the DGP’s directives, the officials had been instructed to carry out checks to ensure school buses and their drivers adhered to all safety regulations. “Those found violating the norms will face action as per law,” he added.