Doha: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has outlined comprehensive operational guidelines for school bus drivers and supervisors to ensure the safety of students during emergencies and exceptional circumstances.
The measures emphasise preparedness, vigilance, and swift decision-making to protect students at all times.
Before commencing any trip, drivers and supervisors are required to conduct a thorough inspection of the bus and all safety equipment.
They must also confirm the designated route and ensure that all necessary contact numbers are readily available. Selecting safe and clearly visible stopping points is considered essential to minimise risks.
During student pick-up and drop-off, strict safety procedures must be followed. Buses should stop only in secure and visible locations, and doors must remain closed until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Supervisors must ensure that students board and disembark safely, and the bus must not move until all students are properly seated. Students should never be allowed to cross the road without supervision, and drivers must confirm that all students are at a safe distance from the bus before proceeding.
While on the way, maintaining order inside the bus is critical. Students must remain seated and calm at all times, and any attempt to tamper with doors or windows must be prevented to avoid potential hazards.
In the event of external danger, drivers are instructed to stop immediately in a safe location and activate hazard warning lights.
Students must remain inside the bus, be instructed to lower their heads, and stay away from windows. Authorities should be contacted without delay, and further movement should only occur upon receiving official instructions.
If danger arises inside the bus, immediate evacuation is required. Drivers and supervisors must ensure that students exit the bus calmly and gather in a safe area away from the road to prevent further risk.
Following any emergency, it is mandatory to account for all students and refrain from moving the bus until additional instructions are provided by the relevant authorities.
A quick decision guide has also been highlighted: in cases of external danger, students should remain inside the bus; in cases of internal danger, immediate evacuation is necessary; and in unclear situations, drivers must stop and contact authorities at once.
