Recent tragedies involving scholar transport have underscored the urgency of child road safety in South Africa.
The rise in scholar transport vehicle accidents has necessitated Wheel Well to up its activism game and call on the authorities to consider enacting stricter controls and monitoring of vehicles and drivers that transport learners to school.
Some of the recent incidents involve a Toyota Quantum scholar transport minibus overturned near West Park Cemetery in Randburg, injuring 20 pupils; and similarly, near Impendle in KwaZulu Natal, about 20 learners were seriously injured when a minibus taxi plunged off a bridge, and another scholar transport minibus broke-down in Pietermaritzburg.
Road safety remains one of the most critical public health challenges facing our country, said Wheel Well, a non-profit organisation dedicated to child road safety for more than 14 years.
Wheel Well noted that tyre failures, unroadworthy vehicles, and the lack or misuse of child restraints are preventable risks, yet they continue to endanger young lives. “In commemoration of Transport Month, we want to shine a spotlight on the safety and regulation of scholar transport and what can be done to protect our most vulnerable road users,” Wheel Well said in a statement.
Wheel Well has played a leading role in this fight, and working closely with schools, the organisation provides safety education sessions, car seat inspections, and outreach to parents. Wheel Well has become a powerful voice for legislative reform, public awareness, and practical support launching programmes like ‘Halo Beanies’ to improve pedestrian visibility and partnering with organisations such as Supa Quick to expand access to car seat donation and inspection services.
Sipho Siso News 
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