Beyond the accident, a timely reminder on transport safety

Mangaluru

The recent accident involving a school bus near Manipal, in which several students sustained injuries, has once again brought the spotlight on school transport safety. While the students escaped with relatively minor injuries and investigations are continuing, the incident has sparked a wider discussion on whether enough is being done to ensure the safety of children travelling every day. Acting after the incident, Udupi police launched a special inspection drive covering school buses and vans across the district.

During the exercise, 483 vehicles were inspected, resulting in 203 cases booked for various violations. Overcrowding emerged as the most common concern, while officials also noticed deficiencies relating to documentation and compliance with prescribed safety norms. The inspection was not merely about imposing penalties but about reminding every stakeholder that children's safety demands constant attention. School transportation has become an essential service for thousands of families.

Every morning, buses and vans travel through busy highways, narrow village roads and congested town centres, carrying children safely to their classrooms. While the overwhelming majority of these journeys end without incident, even a single lapse can have far-reaching consequences. For Mahesh Poojary, a school bus driver with over 18 years of experience, safety begins much before the vehicle starts moving. "Driving children is different from driving others. We are responsible for dozens of families who trust us every day.

Most drivers take that responsibility seriously, but regular training and vehicle checks help everyone stay alert and updated," he says. Parents, too, believe that safety should remain the highest priority. Priya Shetty from Mangaluru, whose two children travel by school bus, says the recent accident naturally caused anxiety but also highlighted the importance of regular inspections. "As parents, we hand over our children every morning with complete trust. We appreciate the police for conducting inspections, but we also hope these checks continue throughout the year. Knowing that vehicles are regularly monitored gives parents greater confidence," she says.

It goes beyond schools and transport operators. Road users also have an important role to play. School buses frequently stop to pick up and drop children, often on busy roads where impatient motorists attempt risky overtaking manoeuvres. Local commuter Naveen D'Souza, who drives daily between Udupi and Manipal, feels motorists need to show greater responsibility. "Whenever we see a school bus slowing down or stopping, every driver should be extra cautious. Saving a few seconds is never worth risking the lives of children. Road safety is everyone's responsibility, not just that of the bus driver," he remarks.

The recent inspection drive has highlighted areas where improvements are needed, but it has also demonstrated that preventive action is far more effective than waiting for another unfortunate incident. Vehicle maintenance, adherence to seating capacity, valid documentation, trained drivers and regular monitoring all contribute to creating a safer transport system. At the same time, parents, schools, transport operators and enforcement agencies must continue working together. Awareness programmes, periodic audits and surprise inspections can help maintain high standards while encouraging a culture of compliance rather than fear of penalties.

The Manipal accident has served as a timely reminder that safety cannot be taken for granted. Every school day begins with thousands of parents placing their faith in the transport system. Preserving that trust requires vigilance from everyone-those behind the wheel, those who manage the service, those who enforce the law and those who share the road. If the lessons from this incident lead to stronger cooperation and consistent safety practices, the community will have taken a meaningful step towards ensuring that every child's journey to school remains as safe as the education they seek.