You have to take your hat off to the committed people in the Coffs Harbour area who keep reminding our pollies that children (and others) travelling by bus are not x-class citizens who are unworthy of protection. They repeatedly voice concerns for children's safety. Where are our local MPs' voices on this important issue? Of course, they are mute, yet again!
Letter to the editor (Coffs Advocate, 18 August, 2012)
It is a shocking fact that transport laws do not protect our children travelling to and from school on outdated buses lacking seatbelts on one of the most dangerous sections of the NSW Highway; between Macksville and Urunga.
As someone working at local hospitals, I am only too familiar with the tragic results of motor accidents.
Why is it drivers of cars can be fined for not restraining their children in seatbelts, yet these same children can travel unrestrained at high speeds on school buses?
With buses only needing to comply with Australian Design Rule 58, which was passed in 1986, it is now a matter of urgency to revise this rule, which does not even require padded, high-backed seats, and was never intended to protect pupils from crashes or even sudden braking in high-speed zones.
Children are often forced to stand in the aisles of buses, with no protection at all.
Please voice your concerns to: The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP, Minister for Transport, email: mailto:office@berejiklian.minister.nsw.gov.au
Judith Kirwood
Image credit: The Daily Examiner
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