3,664 Abu Dhabi motorists fined for ignoring school bus stop signs

Abu Dhabi - Authorities also recorded 126 violations against school bus drivers who didn't display the stop signs.

As many as 3,664 motorists have been fined in Abu Dhabi for ignoring school bus stop signs during the academic year 2018-19.
The Abu Dhabi Police announced on Facebook that they have recorded 3,664 offences against drivers for failing to halt at the stop sign of school buses during this academic year.
Authorities also recorded 126 violations against school bus drivers who didn't display the stop signs when picking up or dropping off students.
Officers said the fine for drivers who fail to halt their vehicles on seeing the stop sign of school buses is Dh1,000 and 10 black points.
The law also fines bus drivers Dh500 and six black points if they fail to display the stop signs or stop arm. 
Stop arms on the sides of school buses automatically drops open when it halts to pick up or let off students, indicating to other road users to wait until the child is safely out of the way.
"All drivers must stop their cars when they see school bus stop signs. This should be within a distance of not less than five metres so as to ensure the safety of pupils," police said.
The Abu Dhabi Police school bus safety awareness programmes are conducted throughout the academic year, with special focus to educate school bus drivers on measures to be followed while transporting students.
Police said school bus minders should ensure that children follow the rules while getting on and off the bus, standing in groups about ten steps away from the bus stop and approach the vehicle in an organised manner while boarding.
Parents are also urged to not let their children cross roads alone. All kids under age 12 must be seated in the rear, with seat belts on. Children must also be dropped off only at appointed drop-off or parking spots, and not on the opposite side of the road from their schools or homes, to avoid possible run-over accidents.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Abu Dhabi