The recent school bus accident in Izki that claimed the lives of three students has sparked public outcry. Questions are being raised about the safety of school transport and what steps should be taken to prevent such accidents in the future. Here is what Muscat Daily readers said –

Rakesh Nair, Teacher

This heartbreaking accident shows the urgent need for stricter checks on school transport. All drivers should undergo regular safety training. Buses must have speed limiters, working seatbelts and be inspected frequently. Parents and schools should also educate children on school bus safety habits. One life lost is one too many.

Fatma al Abri, Student  

It’s so sad and scary. Buses must be safer. If there were seatbelts or better seats, they may have been saved. Schools should talk more about transport safety and let students report bad driving. We all deserve to feel safe on our way to school.

Aisha al Balushi, Homemaker

We need clear, enforced rules for school buses, especially in interior towns. Drivers must be experienced and certified, and buses should have onboard safety officers. Installing GPS and surveillance cameras can ensure discipline. It’s the responsibility of both schools and transport companies to make children’s safety the top priority.

Salem al Rawahi, Engineer

Speeding and overloading are real problems. There must be random inspections and accountability. School buses should have flashing signs and children must be taught how to behave when commuting. Roads in rural areas also need better maintenance and signage. Let this tragedy be a turning point for long-overdue reforms.

Supriya Jain, Artist

The tragic loss of young lives in the Izki school bus accident calls for urgent action. Authorities must enforce strict safety checks, driver training, speed monitoring and instal GPS tracking on school buses. Regular awareness campaigns and accountability from schools and transport providers are crucial to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.

Neil Chopra, Talabat delivery driver 

As a former school bus driver, I find initiatives like the voluntary programme conducted last year good examples of raising awareness on the importance of proper road safety etiquette for younger students. These prepare them for unexpected dangers they could encounter on the road, including accidents.

Omar al Qurashi, Nurse  

The recent Izki accident is a tragedy that could have been prevented if the vehicle itself had been inspected more thoroughly. Improper inspection and maintenance can result in injuries and much worse to passengers.

Zara Syed, Social media manager

I think that drivers in general should be responsible for looking out for any potential blind spots and other hazards on the road as much as possible. One can never be too vigilant, especially in situations involving children.

Vihaan Shah, Consultant

I think that in any situation involving potential road accidents, drivers should proceed with more caution as they are responsible for ensuring the safety of the general public. That’s why, they should take the time to remind smaller children to put on their seatbelts once they’re in the bus to ensure their safety.