Vietnam Ministry Proposes Safety Measures for Student Transportation
The Vietnamese Ministry of Transport has proposed that school buses should be equipped with interior surveillance cameras, emergency alarm systems, and emergency communication devices to ensure student safety, local media reported.
The ministry made the proposal while seeking feedback to finalize amendments and additions to the National Technical Standards on vehicle safety and environmental protection.
This proposal came in response to recent tragic incidents, including the death of a five-year-old child forgotten on a school bus in Thai Binh province. Five years ago, a similar incident occurred at the Gateway International School in Hanoi, resulting in the death of a student.
After turning off the engine, drivers must inspect the vehicle and activate the device at the rear of the bus; otherwise, the alarm will continue to sound, the ministry added.
Under the draft proposal, school transportation vehicles must be uniformly painted in dark yellow on the exterior. The "School bus" sign must be reflective or use electronic LED lights.
The Ministry of Transport aims to limit kindergarten transport vehicles to a maximum capacity of 45 passengers and primary and secondary school buses to a maximum of 56 passengers.
The draft National Technical Standards on vehicle safety and environmental protection are expected to be approved by the Ministry of Transport in the next two months and will come into effect in early 2025.