UAE launches school bus safety campaign

The UAE Ministry of Interior and the Federal Traffic Council have launched the ‘Safe Road for Our Students’ campaign to enhance safety during school commutes. The initiative provides guidance for students, parents, drivers, and supervisors to ensure secure boarding and disembarking procedures.

Abu Dhabi Police have issued specific reminders for motorists regarding school bus protocols. Drivers are required to come to a complete stop and maintain a distance of at least five metres when a school bus extends its side-mounted stop arm. Violating this rule carries a fine of AED 1,000 and 10 traffic points.

Key safety recommendations include:

• Students should arrive at stops five minutes early and move at least 10 steps away from the bus after exiting to remain visible. • Drivers must perform daily vehicle inspections, stop only in safe locations, and ensure students are seated with seatbelts fastened. • Parents are encouraged to accompany children to stops and arrange for authorized pickups. • Schools are urged to provide designated safe areas for boarding and disembarking.