This Monday begins a new special surveillance campaign by the General Directorate of Traffic which will last until Friday November 22. On this occasion, emphasis will be placed on monitoring the safety of school transport vehicles, which transport one of the most vulnerable groups in society, such as minors, although accident rates are minimal.
In the province of Toledo, more than 350 routes are launched every day to transport more than 10,000 schoolchildren to their educational centers, and throughout the school year, 9 out of 10 students use them for excursions or sports activities. In September 2024 figures, the active bus fleet stood at 678 vehicles, of which 385 buses – around 57% – have more than 50 seats.
During the campaign, road agents will check that the technical conditions and safety elements of the vehicle are those required by the regulations, as well as the particular requirements that the driver himself must meet. The DGT also emphasizes that the collaboration of educational centers and parent associations responsible for contracting the routes is essential.
Since October 20, 2007, registered buses must be equipped with restraint systems, since The seat belt is useful during any journey, whether short or long, urban or intercity.. Additionally, given that side collisions and collisions account for 40% of accidents involving this type of vehicle, since 2013 all new vehicles must be equipped with an emergency braking system that activates automatically when detects the possibility of a collision.
Both the agents of the Traffic Group of the Civil Guard and the local police forces of Añover de Tajo, Borox, Carranque, Seseña, Bargas, Recas and Magán, who until now are those who have communicated their support for the campaign, will intensify their efforts. inspections of school transport vehicles in their respective areas of competence. They will check that the authorizations and documents they must have are correct for the provision of the service.
Inappropriate speed and distractions are the main causes of accidents in which this type of vehicle is involved, which is why it will be particularly monitored that the vehicle travels at the authorized speed and that cell phones or other devices causing accidents do not are not used. Drivers will also be tested for alcohol and other drugs.
