Hyderabad: The Hyderabad City Police has taken steps to improve the safety of school children by warning against overloading school vehicles. They called on parents to share the responsibility, not just rely on the police. School principals and management will be accountable for any safety issues within 200 meters of their schools. This initiative follows an incident where five school bus drivers were found driving under the influence.
CV Anand, the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner, held a meeting on Thursday with school leaders, parents, and transport operators. He stressed that safety concerns often emerge when schools reopen and should be addressed in advance. Over the past three years, eight students have lost their lives due to negligence. He insisted students should only travel in school buses, and schools must enforce all safety precautions.
The meeting took place at Ravindra Bharathi and aimed to enhance student safety. Discussions covered traffic management, safe transport systems, and raising road safety awareness. Other topics included vehicle permits, seating limits, school name displays, driver qualifications, and having a female attendant on each bus.
During the meeting, CV Anand advised schools to install CCTV cameras around their premises. He highlighted the dangers when students are getting on and off vehicles, saying these moments are especially prone to accidents. Even one child’s death can significantly affect a school. He also recommended placing signboards at school entrances and noted that areas like Abids, Secunderabad, and Jubilee Hills have more traffic problems due to many schools being located there.
Anand promised to create special coordination teams in these areas, involving transport and traffic officials. Dasari Hari Chandana, the Hyderabad District Collector, emphasized the need for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent road accidents involving school children. She urged strict adherence to guidelines and the Right to Education Act for children aged six to 14.
