Why Must We Have To Decide Between Our Children And Bus Drivers

Bus drivers would have to give up their personal privacy in order to ensure security of their passengers. They must reveal mental and physical health problems to their employer. In addition, they also have to consent to random drug testing and list the medicines they are on. These are the recommendations written by Judge Bruce Fraser in the fatality investigation report on the death of a small child in 2007.

The nine-year-old child was killed and 3 others had been hurt including her sister, in a school bus crash on October 18, 2007. The vehicle driven by Louise Rogers swung over into a parked gravel truck then crashed into a power pole. All four are studying at the Mountain View Academy however they rode inside the bus of the Third Academy at the time.

Judge Fraser also wrote in his report that there was no suggestion that the driver did it on purpose. There is no known reason why the bus driver drifted on the shoulder where the truck was broken down. It was known afterward that Ms. Rogers had a short time ago been hospitalized for mental health concerns. She was prescribed sleeping pills and antidepressants. Tests revealed that the level of these drugs was minimal in her system on that day.

Another piece of Fraser’s report was concerning the design of the school bus involved. He wrote that the bus was designed so that the passenger compartment extends past the cab or motor section. This adds to the risk of passengers for the reason that their bodies are exposed outside the more protected part of the vehicle. This is a design flaw that is often found in smaller buses which has to be given attention.

Judge Fraser’s suggestions were taken positively by bus companies. He added more recommendations to the types he previously mentioned. A report should be submitted by those bus drivers who have or go on leave due to psychological or physical issues. This certification has to be issued by a medical professional, stating therein if the individual is fit to resume work.

Moreover, bus drivers ought to be banned from using hand-held devices such as cellphones and musical devices while on duty, especially while driving. According to sources, there is a draft of a new legislation prohibiting all hand-held devices behind the wheel.

The lesson from this incident tells that all schools should set stricter standards in the hiring of school bus drivers. There should be a procedure in place to assess the mental health of would-be drivers. It is very vital to determine whether these issues will influence their driving. A little less of privacy for bus drivers would ensure the safety of kids under their charge while on the bus.

We try to shield our kids. We let them out of our view at school. But we should not let them out of our view online. Keep them safe by installing an Anonymous Proxy to hide where they live.