Welcoming the first batch of trainees to the Institute on Friday, the General Manager of LASDRI Mrs. Tiamiyu Afusat said the significance of the training and recertification of school Bus Drivers can not be overstated as it plays a crucial role in protecting the lives of students entrusted to the drivers and staff, adding that these professionals are responsible for the safety and the well-being of students during their daily journey to and from school.

According to her, it is essential to address the most prevalent hazard that School Bus Drivers and staff may encounter on the road and understanding of these hazards allow for better preparation and proactive measures to mitigate risks; these include, weather condition, traffic congestion, students behaviour, mechanical failure, road condition and others.

Tiamiyu reiterates that the safety training for School Bus Drivers and staff is also designed to address the most common causes of accidents while an indepth analysis of it is important for developing effective training programmes.

She pointed out that investing in safety training for School Bus Drivers is not a one-time event but it should be an ongoing process with regular updates and refresher courses to keep them informed about the latest safety practices and regulations.

She emphasised the need for School Bus Drivers to attend a comprehensive training in defensive driving, emergency procedure, students management and good communication channels skills.

Commenting on the training, one of the participants, Godwin Gedion from GRA Greenview School, commended the Lagos State Government and the Institute for conceiving the programme for School Bus Drivers, especially in lagos State, where it is imperative that school bus drivers are to be versatile in safety rules and safe driving practice.