For Teachers Archives - Page 4 of 7

How School Administrators Can Support School Bus Drivers

Posted on February 5, 2018 by TSB Super Admin

School bus drivers have a dominant role in ensuring a safe transportation for school kids. Nevertheless, you can witness a remarkable driver shortage among schools.

Hence, it is the responsibility of transportation managers and administration to formulate procedures that enable them to retain drivers on the payroll.

At times, you are required to implement drastic actions as it is a challenging task to replace a driver.

Here follows 15 ways by which school administrators can support school bus drivers:

1. Providing healthy salaries

Salary is an enormous issue for school bus drivers. No doubt, a majority of schools fails to provide the salary they deserve. As a consequence, it is wise to be aware of the salaries distributed by other schools and alter the pay scale accordingly.

If you are not competitive and is concerned regarding your budget, certainly you will lose a multitude of drivers.

2. Offer other employment opportunities

Of course, offering other employment opportunities is an efficient way to reinforce driver and commit their duty effectively. When you support them and provide assistance to pay off their bills, they will prefer to stay in the duty.

3. Remain flexible to their simple requests

Never attempt to ignore the interests and requests of drivers. On the other hand, when their simple request is neglected, they will not respect the school administration, which negatively affects the school’s morale and principles.

4. Rewarding facility

Offering reward is a positive reinforcement for every employee and it works for school bus drivers. However, when you reward drivers for outstanding performance, you are motivating them to continue the practice of safe and legal driving.

5. Concentrate on the school bus rules and student safety

When you manage students on the school bus, you are augmenting the credibility and reputation of the school. Moreover, you can organize presentations and awareness programs for reducing the disciplinary issues.

6. Conduct community outreach

By conducting community research, you will be able to inform the public regarding the exceptional performance of school bus drivers. It can serve as a motivation to drivers.

7. Planning celebrations and dinners

Entertainment is also essential along with the duty. People will be interested in their work, when you organize celebrations, parties, and dinners, once in a while. Such celebrations can serve as morale boosters.

8. Don’t underestimate their work

As a matter of fact, every job is unique and relevant. Never attempt to underestimate them and categorize them as second-tier employees.

For instance, you can consider their opinions and encourage their participation in every school activities.

9. Sponsor continuous learning for drivers

By sponsoring learning and training, you will be able to provide adequate guidance to school bus drivers. Furthermore, you can also partner with a local community college or refund college classes.

10. Display a sense of personal interest

Displaying a personal interest can be an effective solution to please them, you can send birthday or anniversary cards. While you consider them and include them in the family, they will be delighted and will never quit the job.

11. Clean the driver’s common room

When you spruce up the driver’s common room, a positive energy will be filled in the driver’s minds. A new coat of paint or placing new chairs will create a genuinely positive effect on the drivers.

12. Create a rapport

Meanwhile, when you prioritize the drivers, they will be elated and offer their valuable opinions on the dominant issues. By involving them in the issues, you are inculcating positive vibes in them, thereby increasing their morale.

13. Value the driver’s time

Time is having a crucial role in school bus driving as it is intensely a time focused job. A negative image will be created among school bus drivers when the school administrator itself become late in the meetings.

14. Remain with the driver’s side

Staying with the driver’s side is essential, especially, when the driver is having sufficient evidence against disciplinary issues. It is not desirable to unnecessarily side with the parents, who is not physically present in the scene of the violation.

15. Willingness to install modern technologies

Technology can provide an immense assistance to drivers, henceforth it is advisable to install the GPS trackers, CCTV cameras, and RFID trackers. This will not only enhance the school bus safety, but also offers a relaxation to drivers.

In conclusion, school administrators can reduce the job related challenges of school bus drivers. The above technologies will lower the rate of driver retention and enhance the safety of school transportation.

Step by Step Procedure for Child Road Safety

Posted on October 24, 2017 by TSB Super Admin

Road safety for Children can be ensured by the systematic and pragmatic approach in implementing the rules of traffic in society. In addition, the enforcement of traffic rules should be done in a phased manner so as to include all the people, with special emphasis on children. Nevertheless, children are most vulnerable on the roads to be accident victims because of their age, ignorance and playful nature.

This issue can be solved by taking some actions to educate and enforce traffic rules.

1. Road safety lessons for children

Teach them young and they will learn for a lifetime. This is true even for traffic rules. Moreover, lessons on traffic rules and road safety practices should be taught as a part of the curriculum. And it enhances the knowledge of traffic rules among kids, which teaches them to safeguard themselves on the road. It will also serve as a strong base for building a sensible future generation following traffic rules.

2. Road safety Games, mock drills and Traffic Park visits

Mere teaching of lessons will not be enough to instill practical and effective knowledge on traffic rules. As a matter of fact, road safety games, mock traffic drills, and visit to nearby Traffic Parks can fill this void. Ordinarily, children will receive hands-on experience in real life scenario to further strengthen their knowledge of traffic rules.

3. First Aid lessons and volunteer assistance

Schools can also make it mandatory for the students to learn basic first aid lessons in case of accidents so that lives can be saved and injuries can be minimal. As a result, elder children can be volunteered for managing traffic near the school vicinity during rush hours along with police personnel.

4. Seek public and Government support in ensuring road safety for children.

School authorities can approach governmental agencies like traffic police personnel for ensuring road safety for children near the schools during the peak traffic times. In fact, public support can also be sought to ensure road safety for children.

5. Request Traffic Department for installing traffic signs and symbols near school vicinity

School management can also request the traffic department for installing traffic signs and symbols at the vicinity of the school considering the safety of the kids. At the same time, they can also seek assistance of a traffic police personnel near the school for the kids to cross the road safely.

5. Provide RFID tags to all children

RFID technology can be incorporated into the identity cards of children for better monitoring of kids inside the school premises as well as during their journey to school. As a consequence, the RFID tags can be read with a scanner unit installed in the buses, which then sends the data to the parents or educators.

6. Install GPS trackers in school transportation vehicles

The RFID tags will not be fully effective if the parents /educators cannot know the whereabouts of the school bus. Furthermore GPS trackers installed in school buses assists you to locate the position of the vehicle based on satellite data and transmit the same for public awareness. The data can be read with the support of a GPS enabled Smartphone

7. Develop and offer Smartphone based apps or PUSH notifications to parents and educators on the whereabouts of children

Specific apps catering to the parents/educators on road safety for children can be developed and implemented. PUSH notifications can be advantageous when parents do not prefer app installation and data usage. However, the PUSH mail services share the information via SMS and do not require specific apps.

8. Create societal awareness on the need to provide our children safer roads to travel

All the efforts by Governmental agencies, school authorities, and parents will be effective only if public participation is ensured. There should be focus-driven drives for creating awareness on road safety for children by all these nodal agencies at regular intervals. Similar to the enforcement of other rules, there should be a dedicated effort to safeguard the children on the roads. Meanwhile, pamphlets, awareness drives, FM ads, billboards, etc. can meet the goal if properly implemented.

9. Parental monitoring

Parental monitoring will be the only option available to ensure child road safety when the children walk or resort to private modes of transport to reach school.

General School Zone Traffic Rules

Posted on October 19, 2017 by TSB Super Admin

Do you intend to provide a better world for the coming generation? A safe and secure world in which accident rates for kids are low. Initiate a conscious effort to follow the traffic rules. Nevertheless, kids often learn from adults and your actions can have a ripple effect in turning them to the traffic rules compliant generation. School zones are at higher risk of accidents and therefore have special regulations.

Not only schools and crossings, but also places where kids hang out are established to be potentially danger zones. Consequently, road safety for children can therefore be assured only with the strict implementation of the traffic rules.

General rules for drivers

1. Slow down your vehicle near school zones. Adhere to the speed limits prescribed. Generally, speed should not exceed 20mph near such risk zones

2. Have greater vigil while driving through areas without sidewalks. Absence of proper sidewalks can lead to obstructed view of pedestrians on the sides. Moreover, kids are vulnerable to such accidents due to their short stature

3. When you take reverse, pay attention to those on the backside. Have an assistant or seek assistance from others in such situations

4. While at stops, ensure that parking lights are on, when you are preparing to side track the vehicle for children to board or alight

5. Switch on the red flashing lights when the bus is at least near 20m from the intended stopping and continue till the bus starts to move again. The extended stop arm should be on display to alert the other vehicles

6. When stopping at the crossing near schools, allow a distance of approximately 10-30 feet between the vehicle and the crossing

7. Safety seats in the bus should be maintained properly and utilized when needed

8. Seat belts to be worn by when so guided

9. School zones are always risky even after school hours, since a lot of kids would be spending time on extracurricular activities such as sports. Hence, it is better to enforce the rules past the school time till the kids are most likely retired to their homes

10. Apart from school zones, be on guard near parks, stadiums, etc. also where children would be gathered to play to ensure road safety for children

General precautionary steps for parents near school zones

1. Ensure that the child knows the traffic safety rules and regulations

2. Find and ask the child to resort to the safest route to the school

3. Helmets and safety gear should be provided, if kids are riding bicycles to reach school

4. Periodically check the kids' bicycle to find the defects or maintenance needs

5. Attend to the repairs immediately

General rules for safety for kids

1. When boarding or alighting the bus, be sure that your bag straps or strings do not get tangled on to the hand rail

2. If by mistake, something fell off the bus, ask the bus driver or alert the assistant. Never jump off the bus to pick the item up

3. Stay away from the bus and form a queue. Board the bus when signalled by the driver. Enforce strict discipline while boarding/alighting the bus

4. Teach children safe walking to and from the bus stops. Also, teach them to be vigilant while crossing the road after alighting from the bus

Other rules to enforce road safety for children

1. Safety signs and symbols to be properly installed. They should be adequately sized and clear enough for the children and driver to observe

2. The colour codes should be strictly followed as to adhere to the legal requirements as well as ensure safety. For example, fluorescent yellow-green colour is utilized as background for all warning signs in the United States. Usually critical signs are so colour coded so as to increase the visibility even in low lights

3. End of the school zone speed limit should also be considered so that drivers would not resort to speeding up the vehicle just after passing by the school

4. If a school bus has stopped on the side of the road, traffic proceeding in the same direction should stop. If the road has fewer than four lanes, ideally traffic on either side should halt

As a matter of fact, creating the awareness, especially among younger kids on traffic rules along with curriculum is perhaps one of the important steps.

Can Social Media Promote Road Safety Education?

Posted on April 4, 2017 by TSB Super Admin

Today, road safety education is one of the key challenges in human and fiscal developments. Most of the youngsters ageing from 15 to 29 die due to road related accidents. And it is expected that road crashes will soon become the world's seventh leading cause of death.

In the past, there were no sufficient resources for the government to make people understand about the importance of road safety education. The non availability of resources has been a major problem for both low income and middle income countries. It is not the government alone getting the benefit from decreasing road related accidents.

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Importance of Student Road Safety Education

Two key benefits enjoyed by businesses through safer roads are an improved global supply chain performance and enhanced employee health and safety. Road safety education will be far more effective when you give it via online as you can reach a wide range of audience. Hence, social media is an excellent platform for promoting road safety education.

Role of social media in promoting road safety education

Social networks are the best platform for increasing public engagement and promoting positive behaviour on the roads. It is predicted that almost all countries around the world will use social networks for promotion within the year 2018.

With the help of social media, you will be able to interact with consumers frequently. Mainly through mobile phones in your pocket and also other internet connected devices. This is far more effective than promoting government campaigns in a traditional manner. A wide range of audience from different communities, language, culture, etc. can actively participate in open discussions via social media. This will highlight the significance of the road safety issue.

According to psychologists, if a person finds out that another person of a distinct behaviour shares the same opinion as his, then that personal beliefs are said to be strengthened. Hence, when you share a post against dangerous driving, your colleagues as well as friends will obviously adopt these values and beliefs.

An effective social media post will persuade a consumer in such a way that mere listening of a message will be later turned into a desired behaviour or habit. Social media is a powerful tool to instigate publicity which creates awareness as well changes individual opinions.

Effect of social media on road safety

Using social media you will be able to work together with government on road safety and identify the best solutions for issues that thwart road safety. In this fast-paced life, even a hashtag or a shared post can influence millions of lives. The implication of road safety campaigns is better realised, via social media platforms.

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Is Road Safety Education Necessary for Children

Today there are so many opportunities in Facebook, Linkedin, and other social media to share your opinions. The target audience varies based on the type of social media. In the case of Linkedin, the target audience are professionals. But this is not the case of Facebook, there will be professionals, students, and the general public. For a social media such as Instagram, you can share pics and videos related to road safety to a wide range of audience.

Road safety is a key issue for everyone, which needs to be solved almost immediately. Social media is one of the main media by which road safety is put into the limelight by experts. You can reach a larger audience and persuade them to follow safe behaviour. Things will be a lot easier if you possess an account in the leading social media platforms and have followers, which enable you to convey messages to more people. Publishing press releases via social media sites can have greater impact than you think rather than giving a boring lecture. Thus, social media plays a significant role in imparting road safety education.

Is Road Safety Education Necessary for Children

Posted on March 14, 2017 by TSB Super Admin

Are road safety awareness programs only for the age groups above 18? It might seem natural to implement lessons for that age group since it provides assistance to people behind the wheels. However, such lessons should be given from a much younger age considering the present circumstances. Such lessons are needed because of many reasons.

1.Children being more independent

The need for such road safety awareness for children often stems from the single major fact kid's level of intelligence, coupled with their independence had given them access to motor vehicles at a far younger age than it used to be in the past. This has in turn resulted in a greater need of safety lessons to be taught from a much earlier age than the prescribed minimal age for driving. Such lessons make children aware of the legal implications for driving without a license as well as the hazards of dangerous driving. These lessons also teach them about road safety measures while being a pedestrian.

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5 Simple Ways India Can Improve Road Safety

2. Rise in the number of working parents

It is common for both the parents to be working. ASO, the transport needs of their children are usually met by private or public transport facilities. Older children and teenagers resort to the use of two-wheelers such as bicycles. For them, awareness lessons taught properly can reduce the risk of untoward incidents on the road.

3.Increased number of single parents

As a result of increased number of divorced or single parents, children are often forced to be independent in school transportation. Road safety lessons, taught along with the curriculum can, therefore, help them to be safer and to grow as law abiding citizens in future.

4. Access to vehicles

Easy access to gadgets and technology can also mean easy access to vehicles. Teenagers are often attracted to racing bikes. Passion for such risky sports without a legal permit can, therefore, force them to adhere to illegal racing stunts often without much safety precautions. Road safety awareness programs can be implemented along with the traffic personnel which can curb such illegal practices and emphasizes the need for protective gears and proper precautionary measures.

5. Kids learn fast

Road safety lessons taught at the proper age and manner can bring drastic changes in their lives. If properly taught from a young age, this can result in a future generation driving sensibly and abiding the laws. These safety lessons can, therefore, be considered as life skills needed for ethical driving for the society as a whole.

6. Children use the roads

Yes, road safety lessons are needed for children just because they also use the roads. It is their right to be aware of the safety measures provided by their parents and school authorities. Such lessons can help them to avoid dangerous situations while on the roads. Last, but not least is the greatest peace and happiness of the parents as they are being proud of their sensible and knowledgeable kids.

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7. Children learn from their parents and elders

With traffic violations being on the rise, children might tend to think that it is normal practice. For example, as more and more young generation avoid wearing helmet while riding two wheelers for convenience or fashion, kids might tend to believe that helmet is not necessary for being safe while riding. Such wrong beliefs can be difficult to change and can invite unwanted risks.

8. Kids lack the ability to accurately judge distance and speed

Children lack the sense to accurately judge distances and speeds like adults. Such miscalculations can often result in rush hour decisions at crucial times; for example, while crossing the road. Such situations can prove fatal if the crossing lacks a traffic signal and in the absence of traffic personnel. Road safety education can help children to be cautious in such situations and help them to make decisions appropriately and safely.

5 Simple Ways India Can Improve Road Safety

Posted on March 2, 2017 by TSB Super Admin

Have you ever wondered why road accidents are more in India? It is a known fact that road accidents are the leading cause of deaths in India. Indian roads are a nightmare for drivers. Majority of Indian roads are in miserable condition and during rainy season, they are completely catastrophic.

According to the 2014 survey, it was found that most of the road related deaths in India are caused by humps, speed breakers, and potholes. 11, 400 people died due to pathetic road conditions and about 4100 people died as a result of crashes on the roads undergoing repairs or construction works.

Here are the 5 simple ways by which road safety in India can be improved:

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1. Proper construction of roads

If the roads are constructed with space for pavements, bus bays, and smoother bends, chances for road accidents will be reduced. Ditches are a chronic problem that spoils Indian roads. They should be immediately taken care of. This will considerably reduce the accident rates and extra expenses on road repairs.

2. Implementation of the road safety laws

Quite often, road accidents are caused by violation of road safety rules. When rules are strictly implemented, this problem can be solved easily. Placing police officials at various points may not work every time. Instead, you can seek the aid of traffic technologies such as ticket analysers, speed guns, and breath analysers.

3. Monitoring of roads

When you start monitoring the roads through CCTV cameras, certain traffic violations such as violating speed limits, motorcyclists without helmets, people not following road safety rules, etc. can be reduced, as they have a feeling that they are being watched.

Otherwise, you can replace obsolete systems with modern traffic solutions. Some of the benefits of using modern technologies in traffic are as follows:

Cost effective
Save energy and manual labour
Smoother operations
Improve road safety

4. Quick response time

Usually when an accident happens, the response time is too long, which eventually leads to the death of the victim. The system being slow and disorganized, there is a chance for more casualties.

If the CCTV cameras are integrated with intelligent solutions, traffic officials will be able to get real-time data and with that information, they can take immediate action at emergency situations. Road safety awareness can also help traffic and transportation departments to smoothly overcome the adverse situations on the road.

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5. Phone booths and health centres

Though people have smart phones in their possession, they often face network issue. Poor network is a common issue found in highways. Hence, phone booths can be of great help to people as they can quickly contact the relevant authorities, especially, in the case of accidents.

A health centre can be constructed on highways that help you to provide first aid to accident victims before admitting them to the hospital. In addition to this, you can also arrange mobile emergency services for highways in order to reduce the road accident rates and thereby, enhance road safety.

Implementation of technology on Indian roads can help you to have a safe and smoother public transit service. Cities and suburbs are increasing in number, and so is the number of vehicles on the road. Receiving road safety education at the right time will also help to improve road safety. Road safety education must be made a part of school curriculum. Also, conducting awareness programs for people will help you to achieve the road safety goal.

30 Essential Road Safety Rules in India

Posted on February 16, 2017 by TSB Super Admin

Every now and then, we come across new vehicles on the road. Hence, it is vital to know and to follow the basic road safety rules and to ensure that everyone else follow these rules too.

The road safety rules are designed to suit the best interest of the Indian citizens. In a huge country like India, it may be difficult to execute these safety rules; but, it is not impossible.

Here are 30 essential road safety rules to be followed in India:

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Road Safety Rules for Children (7 to 11 Years Old)

1. Keep Left

Drive adjacent to the left side of the road and let other vehicles in the opposite direction to pass on the right hand side.

2. Turning Left

If you want to turn left, stay close to the left side and then, turn left. After turning, continue to stay to the left side of the road.

3. Turning Right

When you want to turn right, you should first come to the centre of the road carefully and then, turn right keeping your vehicle close to the left side of the road.

4. Passing

Always remember to pass or overtake the vehicle in front of yours from its right side.

5. Passing Prohibited

Overtaking or passing a vehicle and progress in the same direction is prohibited in the following cases:

If overtaking or passing causes trouble to any other vehicle moving in any direction
Overtaking is prohibited in a curve as you may not have a clear view of the road ahead and sometimes, it may lead to serious accidents
It is not wise to overtake or pass if you see the other vehicle’s driver already starting to overtake your vehicle
If the other driver does not give a signal allowing your vehicle to overtake their vehicle

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6. When another Vehicle Overtakes your Vehicle

You should not try to increase your speed or do anything that prevents the other vehicle from passing or overtaking.

7. Intersections

You should be extra cautious while approaching a junction, intersections or a crossing. Make sure that your vehicle does not cause any inconvenience to other vehicles or pedestrians.

8. Right of Way

While approaching an intersection, always give a right of way to vehicles already progressing on that particular road. In other cases, you should proceed only after giving way to vehicles approaching from the right side of the road..

9. Emergency Vehicles

As a road user, it is your responsibility to give way to fire service vehicles and ambulances.

10. Pedestrians

Pedestrians have the right of way at pedestrian crossings or zebra crossings.

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11. “U” Turns

U turns can only be taken when

there is no warning sign nearby
you give a proper indication to other vehicle drivers that you are going to take a U turn either by hand signals or vehicle indicators
you confirm through the mirrors that there is no traffic behind your vehicle
there is no traffic around your vehicle and take U turn only when it is safe

12. Required Signals

If your vehicle indicators get damaged without any warning, what will you do? At this juncture, hand signals can be really helpful and hence, it is essential for you to learn them. Here are certain situations where hand signs can be used when your vehicle indicator or brakes are not in proper working condition:

When your vehicle is slowing down
When your vehicle is preparing to stop
When you are planning to turn right or overtake a vehicle from the right side
When you plan to turn left
When you give permission to the vehicle behind you to overtake your vehicle

13. Indicators

By using mechanical devices or electronic devices, you can simplify the signals for indication.

14. Parking

When you park the vehicle, make sure that it does not cause any hurdle or disturbance to any other road users.

15. Registration

No goods or loads should be kept in a way that hinders the visibility of other vehicles, the headlamps, tail lamps or the vehicle’s registration number. If the vehicle’s registration number is some way tampered, it should be replaced immediately with a duplicate one.

16. One way Roads

In the case of one way roads, try to drive only in the direction indicated on the road signs. Never park your vehicle in reverse on a one way street.

17. Stop Lines

When there are stop lines on the road, ensure that you stop the vehicle behind those lines.

18. Towing

No vehicles should be towed closer to other vehicles on the road. Some of the exceptions are:

Vehicles that are mechanically disabled

Partially assembled vehicles

Registered trailers and sidecars

All these vehicles are allowed to tow for the purpose of delivery, reaching the nearest service station, or garage.

19. Noise

Drivers should not:

Use the horn needlessly

Use the horn in prohibited areas like hospital zones, school zones, etc.

Use horns that are blaring, irritating, or loud

Use vehicles that cause a lot of noise when in motion

Drive vehicles without proper silencers

20. Traffic Lights and Signs

Always obey traffic signs, the instructions given by traffic officials or any other authorized person.

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21. Following Distance

It is better to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you since there is a chance for the vehicle to stop suddenly. When you keep sufficient distance, you will be able to avoid unnecessary hazards.

22. Right of way on Steep Roads

When the width of the road decreases, it will be difficult for each vehicle to pass at the same time. In such cases, it is always better to stop your vehicle aside and let the other vehicle pass.

23. Obstruction of Control

You should not allow anything that obstructs the view of the road. No one should be permitted to settle, stand, or place anything that hinders his control on the vehicle.

24. Passing Pedestrians

Do not drive your vehicle at a speed of more than 25 km/hr, especially when you pass a procession, meeting, strike, or a march.

25. Tractor and Goods Carriages

It is not allowed to carry passengers on a tractor. Also, drivers of good carriages should not allow more passengers than registered.

26. Loading

It is dangerous to overload vehicle with materials. There should not be anything in the loads that extend towards the front, back or rear side of the vehicle that cause inconvenience to other road users. Also, it should follow the height restrictions decided by the authorities.

27. Dangerous Materials

It is better for a public transport service to not carry explosive, inflammable, or harmful substances as it can be dangerous to them as well as other road users.

28. Driving in Reverse

When you take reverse, you should ensure that it does not cause annoyance to any other people on the road.

29. Essential Documents

A driver should possess the following documents while driving a vehicle: –

a. Driving license

b. Registration certificate of the vehicle

c. Taxation certificate

d. Insurance certificate

e. Fitness certificate

f. Permit

All the above documents should be produced on the demand of a police officer or any authorized person. If the documents are not with them, either the attested copies should be given to the officer directly or sent by post within 15 days.

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30. Additional Regulations

In addition to the rules mentioned above, the drivers should be aware about their duties, speed limits, weight limits, signals, etc. Also, they should have an idea about the consequences of driving vehicles without relevant documents, drunken driving etc.

The above mentioned rules can be very much valuable for people of all ages. These rules can make the people safe and secure on the roads. Every year, the number of vehicles on road goes on increasing; so does the importance of road safety. Hence, knowing essential road safety rules can help you and your friends from road related crisis.

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Safety Issues of School Bus Rides and Their Solutions

Posted on January 22, 2017 by TSB Super Admin

“Be sensible, be safe”

School buses are among the safest form of school transportation. The credit of school bus safety goes to the numerous safety measures connected with them. From our environment to traffic blocks, school buses tackle a number of issues. They are at service on every working day of school without disappointing parents or children.

With the help of technology such as Student Tracking systems, you won’t have to worry about the school transportation safety any more. The location of each school bus can be traced without fail using School Bus Tracking systems. Abduction of school buses can thus become a high-risk proposition for terrorists. Even when on road, school buses remain under control of the concerned authority. From speed to punctuality, the bus remains under constant, real-time observation.

RFID tag is another technology based safety measure than can help you to stop worrying about the safety of children. Even during busy schedules, parents can easily confirm the safety of children without much effort, thanks to technology. The money saved on school bus is not money saved. Instead, it reflects a lack of responsibility.

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Safety issues of the best ride and its solutions

There are certain safety measures that must be considered in order to ensure school bus safety.

Let’s eliminate the safety drawbacks

1. Waiting for the school bus

Routes of the school buses are scheduled in such a way that it is possible for students to choose the most convenient one. Leave at the right time to the bus stop, don’t rush.

Issue

While waiting for the bus, the student may be alone. They may rush to the school bus stop if they are late and could be careless while crossing the road.

Solution

RFID tags help parents to know the exact location of the child. The moment a child enters the bus, parents are notified. The fear of getting lost is eliminated as parents will know immediately if there is any danger. Wait quietly at the safest place, away from the road, for the school bus.

2. Entering the school bus

via GIPHY

Entering the school bus can sometimes be a dangerous task for children. Always stay away from the danger zone of the bus.

Issue

Children might rush to enter the school bus, which can cause injury. Waiting too close to the bus is dangerous.

Solution

Children must enter the school bus without rushing. The driver may not be able to see the children if they are in the danger zone. Therefore, always maintain a single line of queue while entering the bus. Use the rail while getting into the bus. also, get into the bus only when it stops completely.

3. Seat belts

via GIPHY

Nearly 63,000 lives have been saved between 2008 and 2012 by the usage of seat belts. According to law, seat belts are a must for car users and helmets for bikers.

Issue

It is quite surprising to know that most of the school buses do not have seat belts. The seat belts equipped in school buses do not go over the shoulder and lap as in cars.

Solution

The school buses with seat belts serve better safety and security. Installation of seat belts must be made compulsory in every school bus. Seat belts must be installed in such a way that it is useful for the children rather than hurting them.

4. Behaviour inside the bus

via GIPHY

It is natural that students tend to make noise and fight inside the school bus.

Issue

The noise made by the children might distract the driver which can result in an accident. Children will always have a tendency to put their head and hands outside the bus. Eating and drinking inside the bus can also adversely affect the children. It not only contaminates the bus floor, but also, causes accidents to students as the food materials lying on the school bus surface may cause the students to slip on them..

Solution

Children must be taught how to behave inside the school. They must sit properly in the bus without moving here and there. Waving hands and putting head out of the window can result in serious injury. A supervisor can be appointed to take care of children while inside the bus.

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5. Getting out of the bus

via GIPHY

More accidents happen by being hit by a school bus than while riding in a school bus. For instance, a third-grade student, after getting out of the bus, finds that his important papers have fallen under the bus. Naturally, he will dash towards the bus to collect it. Not knowing about the child, the driver will start the bus. Simple negligence can result in serious injury and even to death.

Issue

Children are unaware about the dangers that may happen to them if they stand too close to the school bus. Standing too close to the school bus after getting out of it can cause injury.

Solution

Children must be taught about the safety tips and rules that they must maintain once they get out of the bus. They must be well aware about the danger zones around the bus, from where they should keep themselves away.

Now that’s officially proven

School buses collectively travel more than 4 billion miles carrying more than 24 million students. Taking into account the distance travelled by school buses, deaths are extremely rare. Death rate of school buses per 100 million miles travelled is 0.2 while automobile deaths are eight times higher. The calculations clearly indicate that school bus is far better compared to any other means of transportation to school.

Factors that contributes to the safety of school bus

There are numerous factors that contribute to the better safety of school buses. School buses are constructed so as to avoid any possible accidents. Usually, experienced drivers are allotted to school buses for making the ride comfortable and safe. Safety is given importance above any other factor.
Track School Bus systems have GPS to track school buses in real-time and RFID to track each child. As both children and school bus are under observation, it is easy to identify even the slightest possibility of danger. The services provided by school buses cannot be compensated by any other means of transportation.

A better planet for our children

Hiring school bus reduces the number of other vehicles on road. The consumption of petrol reduces. The yellow bus reduces the amount of carbon emissions by taking cars off the road conserving our planet for our children.

School bus rides save an average 1,157,068,800 pounds of CO2 emission per state per year. Imagine the amount of CO2 a school bus can save our planet from
School bus saves $421 in fuel costs per car per year. Now, that’s a whole lot money
School bus rides save approximately 147 children per state per year. That’s priceless!

Indeed, school bus transportation plays a vital role in the lives of students from pre-school to high school. There are so many dominant issues associated with school bus transportation and it can be solved easily by parents as well as students by being prepared and vigilant.

“Safety is simple as ABC, Always Be Careful”

A Complete Guide to Ensure Road Safety in India

Posted on January 19, 2017 by TSB Super Admin

You may be well aware of the conditions of Indian roads. It is poor and lamentable. The rate of road related accidents and injuries are soaring up day by day. As the number of vehicles on the road and traffic is advancing in giant strides, it is essential to follow certain road safety rules.

Today, most people lack road-sense, which complicates the matters related to safety. Even though you have a license in hand, you may not be fully aware of safe driving tips and traffic rules. In addition to this, the vehicle you own may not even have undergone proper maintenance.

Must Read:

Student Road Safety and its Relevance in Today’s World

Precautionary Measures for Student Road Safety

There are so many reasons due to which road accidents and injuries are increasing. Here follows some common reasons:

Lack of road safety awareness
Use of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets while driving
Improper vehicle maintenance
Pathetic condition of Indian roads

Some of the essentials before driving on Indian roads:

Valid driving license
Insurance certificate
Registration certificate
Pollution Under Control(PUC) certificate

Things to do if you use four wheelers:

Wear seat belts and advice the same to other passengers
You should use child seats for children below 4 years
Permit pedestrians to cross the road first
You should give way to emergency vehicles
Make use of rear view mirrors and indicators while you move to another lane
You should ride slowly near junctions
Keep up proper distance from the vehicle in front of yours
Always follow your driving lane

Things that should not be done if you use four wheelers:

You should never attempt to jump red lights
Do not drink and drive
Never use mobile phones while driving a vehicle
Do not try to let your vehicle speed exceed 60kph in the city
Parking on busy roads is not allowed
Do not drive a vehicle if your age is below 18years
You should never apply sudden brake

Things that should be done if you use two wheelers:

Wear a good quality helmet for your safety
Check the tires of your vehicle before starting the journey
Ensure that the lights in your vehicle are functioning
Give proper indication before you plan to take a turn
Use brakes whenever needed
You should maintain a safe distance from the vehicle moving ahead

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10 Important Road Safety Rules to Teach Your Children

Things you should not do if you use two wheelers:

Never ride zigzag through traffic
You should never try to overtake from the left side of the vehicle
Never overload your vehicle
You should not apply sudden brake in your vehicle
Do not use cell phones while driving your vehicle

Know your road well:

Center line: If the white lines in the center are broken and divides the road into two, then, it signifies that you can overtake if the coast is clear
Twin white/yellow lines: This symbol signifies that you should not try to overtake another vehicle in that particular road
Small broken white lines: This line is a separation and your vehicles are supposed to move between those lines
Single yellow line: This line can never be crossed unless there is a need for you to turn right or take a U-turn
Zebra crossing: These white stripes are meant for pedestrians to cross safely on the road. If a pedestrian attempts to cross the road, stop your vehicle and allow them to cross the road

Some of the common faults that obstruct road safety and how it can be handled:

Overspeeding – solved by using radar guns that help to check the speed of vehicles
Violation of safety rules- should be strictly dealt by Government and impose heavy fines
Consumption of alcohol and drugs- punishment should be given and license should be cancelled
Road congestion- use public transport system and encourage carpooling

Most of the casualties and fatalities are caused by indifference of people towards road safety rules. The safety rules mentioned above can attribute your safety and security on the road. In addition to this, attending an awareness program on road safety can be a good idea for your better and improved life.
“Care for others, care for your life”

Student Road Safety and its Relevance in Today’s World

Posted on January 12, 2017 by TSB Super Admin

“Obey traffic rules, the life saving tools”

In essence, you may be well aware of road safety education and its relevance in ensuring student road safety. The question is how is it possible to educate your kids about road safety- providing a systematic safety lesson, organizing safety games, and accompanying your child when they go outdoors.

Are you wondering what road safety education actually is? Here is what you are seeking for:

Road safety education is an educational program about road safety that is given to both children and young people in schools and educational institutions. This safety education encourages the participation of parents and guardians for the purpose of helping children to be safe in traffic. It helps to inculcate safe behaviour in children and young people. And thus become an efficient passenger, pedestrian, cyclists, etc.

Road safety education becomes more effective when you conduct demonstration classes, which match the level of development of youngsters as a responsible road user.

Why is student road safety education important?

“Better to prevent than lament”

You can see how traffic is increasing day by day. Hence, it is your responsibility to teach your children about road safety rules and regulations right from an early age to protect themselves. Earlier, you needn't have to worry about your child as there was not much traffic. But, now things have changed a lot and the number of vehicles is soaring high.

There are so many interesting ways by which you can teach road safety to your children at home as well as in the classroom. A class taken by a police official can be of great help to your children. This is similar to the classes conducted recently by Delhi traffic police as part of Children's Day celebrations. Computer supported training will be more effective for children.

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Goals of student road safety education

Proper understanding of road traffic
Acquire safety skills to survive in traffic
Emphasize their duty to protect themselves on the road
Explain the causes and effects of road crashes
Create a consideration on other's safety

Objectives of student road safety education

To discover and identify the traffic situation well
To judge the visual lead time
To analyse the information received from different directions
To organize perception and action
To make an individual judgement on road traffic situations

Is road Safety education more important than law enforcement?

Though both are different concepts, to students road safety education is more important than law enforcement. Hence, it should be a part of school curriculum for children. Young children are the future of our nation and hence, their protection is undeniably a top concern.

As a parent, you may try to keep your child away from all risks. But, this is not going to work anyway, as they need to be made prepared for the worst. Children and young people are more susceptible to be victims of crashes. This is because of their lack of awareness of essential road safety rules.

When you look deeply, road safety education is a part of law enforcement as law enforcement becomes complete only when citizens follow road safety rules properly.

Relevance of road safety in today's world

A lot of human lives are lost in road related accidents nationwide every year. Road safety is hence important for every student who is planning to drive a vehicle. In 2013, it was reported that 1,37,000 people got killed. It was a record as the death rate caused by accidents is greater than that death caused by wars.

According to the reports, there were 29,989 crashes in the year 2014 itself. These crashes have risen at an alarming rate ever since. If you want to reduce the number of these accidents in the coming years, then it is vital for you to concentrate more on road safety.

To ensure student road safety, they should receive adequate road safety education at the right age in schools and other educational institutions.

WHO and its Global Status Report on road safety 2015

On the basis of information from 180 countries, World Health Organization (WHO) found that about 1.25 million accidental deaths occurred each year. And the greatest number of accidents is reported from low income countries.

Based on the report, in the last 3 years, about 17 countries are reported to have taken strict action against drink driving, child restraints, seat belt, motorcycle helmets, etc. and yet there was no change in the accident death rates. A target has been decided by the members, that is, halving the total number of road accident related deaths and injuries by 2020.

Road safety education in schools

“Speed thrills but kills”

Road safety education is a continuous process, and it is better for you to begin teaching your children about road safety from a young age so that it become inherent in their nature, attitude and ultimately becomes a habit as they grow up.

Before teaching road safety to your students, you should check whether any student has any previous experience on road accidents or injuries. If there is, it will be better for you to have a discussion with their parents or guardians to know whether their child should be excluded from the lesson or not.

Your child should be aware of the dangers awaiting them in the traffic environment and take appropriate safety measures as an efficient road user. This is possible only when you give proper road safety education to them.

Must Read:

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Key contents of road safety education

There are certain contents that cannot be excluded from the road safety lessons. And such contents are following:

Road safety ABC

It will be better if you include road safety ABC in your lessons. Are you wondering about road safety ABC. Don't worry, here is what you are looking for:

A for awareness (causes and consequences of traffic)

B for behaviour (what are the things you should do to make you safe on the road)

C for choice and campaigning (how will you take proper choice and persuade others to
make choices too)

The Green Cross Code

Want to know more about the Green Cross Code? Here is what you are seeking for:

1. Identify a safe place to cross the road

2. Stop and observe your surroundings before getting into the kerb

3. Look and listen the road traffic carefully

4. Have patience and let the traffic clear out

5. Ensure that the road is clear, go straight across the road, and never run or panic on the road

Road safety for primary school students

Primary school kids are one of the most defenseless road users. What can you do for them? You can help them by developing their skills, demeanor, and conduct for being safe as a passenger, pedestrian and cyclists. They should be given proper supervision for identifying traffic related dangers and establishing safe strategies when they are on the street without any supervision.

Safe road use behavior should be taught and constantly reinforced until the students understand it thoroughly and practice it properly.

When you give road safety education to primary school students, it should:

Emphasize essential road safety messages
Include road safety content in the school syllabus
Be taught regularly at each stage by both parents and teachers
Consider local road safety issues
Never scare your child with frightful consequences

Road safety for secondary school students

Road safety education is edifying, forward-looking and closely linked with development stage of each child. The most efficacious road safety education is created by a good partnership between teachers, road safety officials and parents, each corroborating the others.

As your child moves to upper classes (secondary school), the importance of road safety also gets increased. Most of the secondary school students go to school all by themselves. Sometimes, there will be extracurricular activities in addition to their normal school hours. Also, there is a chance for outing planned with friends, or a trip of their own.

By analysing their behavior, you will be able to know the risk of accidents on secondary school students are greater than that of primary school students. Teenagers are one of the substantial group of road users as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and newly licensed drivers. Their overconfidence and indifference to the rules will lead them to serious trouble.

As you analyse the annual survey report of accidental deaths, you can see that most of the victims are young people. Hence, parents, teachers and other road safety professionals should together make an effort to make them understand about the dangers awaiting them on the road and oversee the risks they confront as road users.

What can you do as a teacher to enhance road safety education in students?

Select the most suitable and relevant resources for improving the road safety skills of your students. This can be done only by you as you are the only person who knows the abilities of each student. You can offer them adequate support to augment their safety behaviours and thus ensure student road safety.

What should you do as a secondary school student to improve your safety skills?

You can take part in a range of activities that help you to understand and mold your road safety habits. And overcome certain safety risks that can harm you. Also, you can make use of resources provided by your concerned teacher.

What should you do as a parent of a secondary student?

You should interact with your child about road safety education and reinforce certain safety messages to make your child safe. As a parent, you can easily persuade them to be a responsible road user.

Road safety campaigns and its effects

Road safety campaigns are useful as it helps to influence behaviours and attitudes of people. But at the same time, WHO also mentions that there is not much reduction in road accidents even after organising campaigns.

When you organize road safety campaigns, there should be involvement of government institutions, non-governmental institutions, non governmental organizations, and mass media. Their support and involvement can make the campaigns successful and effective.

The safety campaigns will be effective if you include lectures and interaction, films on road safety, competitions such as painting competition, quiz competitions, debate competitions etc. on road safety. When you include all these activities, safety campaigns becomes more lively, entertaining, and interesting for students.

Road safety campaigns are far more effective than commercial marketing campaigns. It is different from other campaigns since it influences behaviour rather than encouraging the purchase of a new product or switching to other brands. Today, numerous schools and colleges have started to organize campaigns for ensuring student road safety.

Road Safety Education Program

Purpose of road safety education- best opportunity to manage behaviour change of young people and decrease the number of road accidents among youngsters and children

A road safety education program is a learning program on road safety, which is organized for all citizens of the nation. Every driving school organizes theoretical and practical training for young drivers to enrich them with road safety measures. It also helps to identify the factors that increase the risk of accidents. Hence, you will be able to create a new generation of drivers with a good amount of knowledge on road safety via this program.

The road safety education program aims to:

Create a safe, interdependent and culpable driver
Manage a vehicle effectively
Share the road efficiently
Use the road responsibly
Apply various driving strategies
Train the drivers to obey road signs and traffic signals, manage the vehicle in times of emergencies, take an important decision to ensure road safety, etc.

Road safety education limited

It is a non-profit organisation that transfers you highly efficient and proof based road education programs. The main aim of this organisation is to reduce road related accidents of young people. The Road Safety Education (RSE) Foundation was constituted to fulfil the aims of Road Safety Education Ltd.

Earlier, it was named as Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) and Rotary Youth Driver Awareness Foundation in both Australia and New Zealand. It was in 2012 that the name changed to Road Safety Education Ltd and Road Safety Education Foundation.

Primarily, the name was changed to reflect the mission of the aforesaid organisation to reduce the sufferings and deaths of young drivers.

Student road safety awareness

Road safety is an engaging subject, which involves both children and youngsters. Most of the young people die because of road related crashes. This is because they are careless and unconcerned about road safety rules. Another important reason behind it is the lack of road safety awareness among your kids.

When you give safety awareness, they will be able to understand the basic concepts of road safety and essential safety rules. It is better to include practical experiences and campaigning while taking awareness classes. This will make your class lively, effective, and successful.

You can make the class engaging by including various activities on road safety. Here are certain activities by which you can present before your students to enrich them with road safety:

Conducting a seat belt experiment

Introduce two toy cars before the student crowd: one with the belted teddy bear and the other with an unbelted teddy bear. You can carry out this experiment with slopes and obstacles to reconstruct Indian roads. Through this experiment, you can show them how a belted teddy bear survives without falling and getting hurt.

Experiment with shine torches

You will be able to create a dark environment by closing all the classroom windows and if needed, you can make use of blinds to create more darkness. Then shine torches on student's high visibility vests (brightly coloured vests). And each student will become visible with the help of those bright lights.

And this experiment is a proof showing your kid that they can be made visible before drivers by wearing bright coloured clothes. When they are shown by example, they will certainly understand its significance and be encouraged to do that for the better.

Compose a Road Safety Song

Songs are an excellent way by which you can persuade students to follow safety rules. It will be interesting if you compose a road safety song for your students. Words like stop, go, pavement, hold hands, etc. can be used to make them realistic. Students will not only get entertained by this song, but also learn essential things about road safety by reciting the song along with their pals.

Listen to noises and match the pictures

You can allow your student to listen to various noises on the road and identify it. It can be the noise of the ambulance, car, etc. and you can give the students an opportunity to match the sound with the pictures they hold. This provides an important lesson to them, that is, listen to the noises on the road and thus, be vigilant about the ongoing traffic.

Red light, Green light

This is a kind of game that arouse interest in your students. A student should be chosen as a traffic light and he or she stands in front of the class. Mark a line on the floor, so that the student should cross the line to reach the traffic light. When the traffic light says green, every student should cross the road and when it says red, all the students should turn around.

If anyone is seen moving when the traffic light says red, that particular student should go to back to the classroom and start the game once again. And the student who reaches the traffic light first, become the next traffic light.

A lot of things can be taught through this activity. Your students will be able to gain adequate knowledge about different traffic lights and its importance, such as 'red to stop' and 'green to move'.

Lesson on traffic

Take a lesson on 'what is meant by traffic'. After this lesson, your students will be able to describe what traffic and vehicles are, identify vehicles based on its size, and recognize pictures of traffic. You can also ask them to name various traffic signs and what it signifies.

All the above activities make your awareness program appealing and successful. Road safety awareness helps to develop your student's existing knowledge on road safety and protect them from road related dangers.

Rewards for student safety

It will be a great idea, if you reward those students who obey road safety rules flawlessly. This will encourage your students to follow rules and execute it at the right time. A notable example is the student road safety awards organized by Paul Kerr. The main aim of this initiative is to give student safety awards and attribute road safety awareness among youngsters.

Paul Kerr organized this initiative in memory of his son, Jon Paul. Jon died at the age of 17, which is driven by an 18 year old driver who got license just two weeks before. The scheme was introduced for motivating the children aged between 11 and 18 to create an exclusive project on improving road safety awareness.

The most innovative project will be given awards sponsored by Peugeot (French car manufacturing company) along with the support of Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). This serves a good model for enhancing road safety education among your kids and also, you can organize activities that will encourage students to expose their road safety skills and behaviours.

Roads are something that needs to be shared with everyone. Your behaviour or attitudes as a pedestrian, cyclist or driver should be administered with a sense of care and respect towards your fellow road users.

Students are the ones who violate rules more than anyone. One of the prime thing that you should teach them is to never consider a road as a playground. Your responsibility is to give your kid road safety education at the right age, which help them to ensure their own safety.

“Drive carefully to live joyfully”