Analysis: Tough questions need answers to keep travelling children safe

WE WILL probably never know what caused the tragic accident in Switzerland. The driver could have fallen asleep, or could have suffered a heart attack, writes Pat Harris

Unfortunately, we may never know because he is dead, and there is no equivalent on coaches to the black box aeroplanes are fitted with.

From the pictures, it appears the coach made a huge impact into a concrete wall. In a crash like that, it is difficult to know if anyone would have survived if they were sitting a few feet behind the driver, whether they were wearing a seat belt or not.

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But questions should still be asked as to whether passengers were wearing seat belts. If it emerges that they weren’t, could seatbelts have meant the number of deaths and injuries would have been less severe? These may be slightly insensitive questions, but they’re still necessary questions. If we don’t ask, we won’t learn.

We set up Busk nearly 20 years ago to bring about changes in seat-belt laws following several fatal school coach crashes, including one that killed two boys from Biggar High School in 1994.

We will soon be launching a campaign highlighting the dangers of coach drivers operating during the night. It’s a huge problem explaining to people that even though drivers may be legally able to drive in terms of taking breaks, they may still not be properly rested.

Every school should have a transport document that includes a seat belt policy, detailing how it will be enforced. Numerous coach operators have signed up, and there’s interest from operators in Scotland. A big responsibility lies with the parents – they are the ones who pay for a child’s trip. They could pay another £30 or £40 for a reputable coach operator, where they can be assured the driver will have a good night’s rest and safety policies will be enforced.

• Pat Harris is founder and director of Busk, an organisation that specialises in the safe transportation of children and young people.

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