Chamber of Mechanical Engineers calls for student shuttle safety inspections

The Chamber of Mechanical Engineers has called for rigorous technical and safety inspections of student shuttle vehicles ahead of the new academic year. The organization requested transparency regarding which institutions conduct these inspections and what specific safety standards are applied.

Pointing to past incidents involving fires and traffic accidents, the Chamber argued that passing a general traffic inspection is insufficient for vehicles used as student shuttles. They emphasized that vehicles must be evaluated for their ability to protect passengers and allow for rapid evacuation during collisions, rollovers, or fires.

Proposed safety requirements include individual seats and seatbelts for every student, strict adherence to passenger capacity, and the prohibition of unauthorized seat additions or vehicle modifications. Additionally, the Chamber recommended that vehicles be equipped with braking and electronic stability systems, fire detection and suppression equipment, and clearly marked emergency exits. For younger students, the organization suggested implementing camera systems and warning mechanisms to prevent children from being left behind in vehicles. For students with disabilities, the Chamber called for appropriate access ramps, lifting platforms, and wheelchair securing systems.