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`Make the law more stringent'

Chandni Srinivasan on the negligence of van drivers

Chandni Srinivasan

Parents are losing their children because of the negligence of drivers and helpers in private vans that take them to school. The drivers should make sure that the children are not in front or behind their vehicle once they alight. The helper should hand over the child to a responsible person. Similarly, working parents should ensure that there is someone to receive the child on its return from school. Most parents think their children would be able to cross the road unsupervised. They want their children to be independent. Independence and maturity are two different things. Children till they reach the age of 10 are not mature enough to follow road safety rules. They have a tendency to run once they get off the van. Often, you see them struggling to balance their school books and lunch bags while alighting from vans or buses. School vans are a better option than private vans. At least, there is greater accountability. The law should be made more stringent. Most often, the drivers of private vans know they will be bailed out. Once a fatal accident involving a child takes place, parents are too devastated to file a case. The public too should be alert. When they see any school van speeding, they should complain to the authorities. Drivers will definitely be more alert when they know that they are being constantly watched. A driving licence should not be the only criterion while engaging a driver. He should have experience too. Those who are new to the job tend to be rash. Since dealing with children requires patience, it is perhaps better to engage women drivers and helpers.

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AS TOLD TO ASHA MENON

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