Unsafe Rides: Drunk Driving in School Transport
Every morning, parents across India entrust the safety of their children to school bus drivers.
Yet, a silent and deadly threat looms on our roads: drunk driving by those very individuals tasked with protecting our little ones.
This is not just a traffic violation; it is a grave violation of child rights, human decency, and public trust.
A Hidden Menace on Our Roads
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of fatal road accidents worldwide. But when the culprits are school bus drivers, the consequences are far more devastating. News reports from across India have highlighted shocking incidents where school bus drivers have been caught driving under the influence of alcohol, risking the lives of dozens of innocent children.
The harsh truth is that in many cases, these drivers are poorly screened, inadequately supervised, and subjected to little or no random testing for substance abuse. The safety protocols that should be mandatory are often absent or weakly enforced.
Why This is a Child Rights Issue
Every child has the right to safety, protection, and life, as enshrined under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and India’s own Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Drunk driving by school bus drivers is not merely a lapse in traffic discipline—it is a gross violation of a child’s fundamental right to life and safety.
A child’s journey to school should never be marred by the fear of reckless driving. When the adults entrusted with their care endanger their lives, it erodes a child’s sense of security and trust in society.
What is Failing?
- Inadequate Background Checks: Many schools fail to conduct proper police verification and background screening of bus drivers.
- Lack of Regular Medical Tests: There is often no mandate for regular medical and substance abuse testing for school transport staff.
- Poor Enforcement of Laws: Even though the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, and state transport rules provide strict penalties for drunk driving, enforcement in the school transport sector remains lax.
- Absence of Accountability: Schools and transport contractors rarely face consequences when drivers violate safety norms.
The Way Forward: A Call for Immediate Action
Aaroha Foundation strongly advocates for a zero-tolerance approach towards drunk driving, especially when children are involved. Here are some urgent steps that need to be implemented:
1. Mandatory Alcohol Testing
Random breathalyzer tests must be conducted for all school bus drivers, especially before morning and afternoon routes.
2. Strict Background Verification
Schools should be legally required to conduct thorough background checks and regular police verifications of drivers and support staff.
3. Child Protection Policies in Schools
Every school should have a comprehensive child protection policy, covering transportation safety as a key element.
4. Awareness & Sensitization
Parents, teachers, and school authorities need to be educated about the risks and signs of drunk driving. Reporting mechanisms should be made child-friendly and anonymous.
5. Community Vigilance
Parents’ associations and community groups must collaborate to conduct surprise checks and audits of school buses.
6. Strict Penal Action
Not just the drivers, but schools and transport contractors must face stringent penalties for non-compliance, including cancellation of licenses and criminal prosecution.
Let’s Put Our Children’s Safety First
At Aaroha Foundation, we believe that every child deserves a safe journey to school and back. The roads should be pathways to learning and growth, not danger zones filled with reckless drivers.
It’s time we demand accountability from schools, transport agencies, and law enforcement. Children’s lives are not collateral damage.
Speak up. Report violations. Demand change.
Together, at Justice League Foundation we can build a safer, more responsible society for our children.