SCHOOL BUS DANGER

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32315, 5 June 1970, Page 11

SCHOOL BUS DANGER

Concern about the failure of some motorists to observe the 10 m.p.h. speed limit when passing school buses was expressed recently by the New Zealand Road Safety Council. Similar concern has also been expressed by the Drivers’ Federation, which feels strongly about the subject, the Ministry of Transport says. Several accidents have occurred recently, and members of the federation are worried about the safety of their young passengers. The Ministry of Transport in its visits to schools spends much time educating children in proper drill for boarding and alighting from the bus, crossing the road, and proper behaviour on the bus.

The motorist has a responsibility to pass a school bus with caution, so that he can avoid children who might disobey the rules they have been taught. Children are unpredictable, and cannot be relied on always to practice the lessons they have learned. Drivers must be alert for children suddenly stepping out from in front or behind the bus. The average school bus is 25ft long; some can be up to 30ft long, the Ministry says. At 20 m.p.h. a driver lakes 42ft to react to a hazard and bring his vehicle to a stop, with good brakes on a dry surface. If the surface were wet he would take 52ft. Obviously if the driver was travelling at only 20

m.p.h. when he reached the rear of a bus, and a child stepped out from just in front of it, it would be impossible for him to stop in time to avoid the child. Because of the complaints that the 10 m.p.h. rule is not being observed, enforcement of the limit will be increased, the Ministry says.