Key Takeaways
- Ensure the driver has a valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) and a legitimate driver’s license
- Check the vehicle’s roadworthiness, including the tires, license disc, and overall condition
- Verify that each child has a seat and a working seatbelt, and that the vehicle is not overloaded
- Monitor the driver’s behavior, including their adherence to traffic rules and use of mobile phones while driving
- Report any concerns or violations to the authorities, such as the National Traffic Call Centre or local police station
Introduction to Road Safety
The recent horror crash in the Vaal that claimed the lives of 12 young individuals is a wake-up call for parents to take a more active role in ensuring their children’s safety on the road. It is no longer sufficient to simply hand over children to any driver with a car, as the risks are too great. Authorities and safety experts are urging parents to become "traffic cops" of their own kids’ lives, taking responsibility for verifying the credentials and safety of the drivers and vehicles transporting their children. This guide provides parents with the necessary steps to take in order to keep their kids safe on the road.
Verifying the Driver’s Credentials
Before entrusting a driver with the safety of their child, parents must verify the driver’s credentials. This includes checking the driver’s Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), which is a requirement for all drivers transporting children. Parents should not take the driver’s word for it, but rather ask to see the permit themselves. Additionally, parents should check the driver’s license to ensure that the face on the license matches the person behind the wheel. A sobriety check is also essential, as a driver who appears tired, smells like alcohol, or is acting strangely should not be allowed to transport children.
Assessing the Vehicle’s Safety
The vehicle itself is also a critical factor in ensuring the safety of children on the road. Parents should walk around the vehicle to check for any signs of damage or neglect. If the vehicle looks like a "skorokoro," it probably is, and parents should not risk their child’s safety by allowing them to ride in it. The tires should also be checked to ensure they have sufficient tread, as smooth tires can be hazardous, especially in rainy conditions. The license disc should be current, and parents should report any expired discs to the authorities. Furthermore, parents should never allow their children to ride in the back of a bakkie or open truck, as this is illegal and poses a significant risk to their safety.
Ensuring Safe Loading and Seating
Overloading is a common problem in scholar transport vehicles, with many drivers packing children in like sardines. However, this is not only illegal but also poses a significant risk to the children’s safety. Each child should have their own seat and a working seatbelt, and parents should never allow their children to stand in the aisle. Overloaded vehicles are harder to control and are more likely to flip in the event of an accident. Parents should talk to their children about their experiences with the driver and report any concerns to the authorities.
Monitoring the Driver’s Behavior
Parents should also monitor the driver’s behavior on the road, including their adherence to traffic rules and use of mobile phones while driving. If the driver is prone to speeding, overtaking on solid white lines, or using their phone while driving, parents should find a new service. These behaviors are all significant risks to the safety of the children and should not be tolerated. By taking an active role in monitoring the driver’s behavior, parents can help ensure their children’s safety on the road.
Reporting Concerns and Violations
Finally, parents should not hesitate to report any concerns or violations to the authorities. If a scholar transport vehicle is overloaded or poses a risk to the safety of the children, parents should call the National Traffic Call Centre or their local police station. By reporting these concerns, parents can help prevent accidents and save lives. It is essential that parents take an active role in ensuring their children’s safety on the road and do not rely solely on the driver or the vehicle to ensure their safety. By working together, parents and authorities can help reduce the risk of accidents and keep children safe on the road.
