To enhance the protection of people, bus drivers would have to give up their individual privacy. They need to disclose any mental and physical health issues to their company. They also have to consent to random drug testing and register the drugs they are on prior to being hired. Judge Bruce Fraser recommended the above mentioned in the fatality inquiry report on the loss of a young girl in 2007.
The nine-year-old schoolgirl, was killed in a school bus accident on October 18, 2007. The vehicle driven by Louise Rogers veered off into a parked gravel truck then smashed into a power pole. This resulted in the death of girl and injury of 3 additional kids including her sister. The four victims are studying at Mountain View Academy but shared a bus with Third Academy at the time.
There was no suggestion that Ms. Rogers did it on purpose, as Judge Fraser wrote in his report. Authorities found no rationale why the bus driver drifted onto the shoulder where the truck was broken down. Investigations revealed that the driver had recently been hospitalized for mental health problems. She was taking sleeping supplements and antidepressants. Tests revealed that the level of these drugs were low in her system.
Another part of Fraser’s report was concerning the design of the school bus involved. He wrote that the bus was designed so that the passenger section extends further than the cab or motor section. This adds to the peril of passengers because their bodies are exposed outside the more sheltered section of the vehicle. This is a design flaw that is often found in smaller buses which has to be given attention.
Judge Fraser’s suggestions were taken positively by bus companies. He added more recommendations to the types he previously pointed out. A report should be submitted by those bus drivers who have or go on leave due to mental or physical problems. This certification has to be issued by a health professional, stating therein whether the person is fit to resume work.
Moreover, bus drivers must be banned from using hand-held devices such as phones and musical devices while on duty, particularly while driving. According to sources, there is a draft of a new legislation prohibiting all hand-held devices behind the wheel.
The incident taught a lesson that all schools should set stricter standards in the employing of school bus drivers. There ought to be a process for assessing the mental health of prospective drivers. It is very vital to establish whether these problems will affect their driving. The safety of children under their charge while on the bus must be protected.
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