Bus drivers would have to give up their individual privacy in order to guarantee security of their passengers. They must divulge mental and physical health concerns to their employer. In addition, they also have to consent to random drug testing as well as list the medications they are on. These ended up being the suggestions written by Judge Bruce Fraser in the fatality investigation report on the fatality of a small child in 2007.
The nine-year-old child, was killed in a school bus collision on October 18, 2007. The vehicle driven by Louise Rogers veered off into a parked gravel truck then smashed into a power pole. This resulted in the loss of girl and injury of three additional kids including her sister. The 4 victims are studying at Mountain View Academy however shared a bus with Third Academy at the time.
In his report, John Fraser also wrote that there was no hint that the driver did it on purpose. It cannot be explained why the bus driver drifted onto the shoulder where the truck was broken down. Later on it was known that Ms. Rogers had recently been hospitalized for psychological health troubles. To aid with her situation she was prescribed sleeping supplements and antidepressants. However, tests revealed that the level of these medicines had been low in her system on that day.
The design of the school bus involved might have also aggravated the accident. Judge Fraser wrote that the bus was designed so that the passenger portion extends past the cab or engine section. This adds to the danger of the passengers because their bodies are exposed outside the engine of the vehicle, consequently increasing the danger. This is a design error that is often found in smaller buses which has to be given consideration.
The suggestions presented by the judge received constructive responses. Aside from those that were formerly mentioned, he added an additional recommendation. Bus drivers who went on leave due to mental or physical problems should be required to submit a report. This has to be issued by a health professional, stating therein whether or not the person is fit to resume work.
Moreover, bus drivers should 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 incident taught a lesson that all schools must establish stricter standards in the employing of school bus drivers. There ought to be a process for assessing the psychological health of prospective drivers. It is very vital to establish whether these problems will affect their driving. The protection of children under their charge while on the bus must be protected.
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