Muscat – A young life was lost last week when she was left locked in a school bus in Suwaiq. How can such accidents be prevented in the future? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said –  

Aisha al Hinai, Homemaker

This heartbreaking loss reminds us that safety must be everyone’s top priority. Schools should implement a strict double-check system where both the driver and a supervisor verify that no child is left behind. Installing motion sensors or child-detection alarms in buses can save lives. Regular safety drills for drivers, attendants and students is a must.

Khalid al Balushi, Photographer

As parents, we trust schools with our children’s safety. There must be accountability –  every school bus should have an attendant, a roster and GPS tracking. Schools should send notifications when children board or leave the bus. Technology can help, but compassion and vigilance are equally important.

Salim al Rawahi, Transport supervisor
We need a national policy for school transport safety. Every bus must have CCTV cameras, alarm sensors and a mandatory inspection checklist. A last small check before locking the bus can make a world of difference. Drivers and attendants should receive proper training on child safety and emergency procedures.

Ayesha al Zadjali, Private sector employee

Beyond procedures, we must build a culture of care. Drivers, teachers and even students should be encouraged to look out for one another. A short morning safety routine –  counting children as they enter and leave – can foster mindfulness. Schools should provide emotional support and counselling after such unfortunate events.

Hamood al Riyami, Businessman

The Ministry of Education should enforce stricter safety regulations for all school transport operators. Using technology like bus attendance apps, biometric check-ins and internal alarms should be mandatory. Schools must also conduct surprise audits to ensure compliance.

Arun Nair, IT professional

Proper training and rest for drivers are crucial. Sometimes drivers are overworked or distracted. A strict post-drop routine where the driver walks the aisle before locking the bus should be mandatory.

Anna Smith, Education consultant
In many European countries, buses are equipped with pressure sensors and automatic alarms that alert staff if a child is left inside. Oman could adopt similar technology alongside clear accountability protocols. More importantly, drivers and schools must see safety as a shared duty, not an individual task.

Abdul Rehman, Marble retailer

A two-person check of the entire bus after every route must be made mandatory safety protocol. Technological aids like ‘child reminder’ systems and motion sensors must be implemented. Regular, rigorous staff training on vigilance and strict accountability for negligence are essential to secure young lives.

Khan Sameena Mannan, Primary school teacher

Saving children from being neglected on a bus requires a multi-layered approach involving improved driver protocols, new technology and enhanced communication between schools and parents. A combination of these strategies – mandatory end-of-route checks and child presence detection systems – can significantly reduce the risk of such preventable tragedies.