Two Young Lives Lost in a Week

The Ministry of Education has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two students in separate traffic accidents, as authorities continue to urge motorists, parents and school transport operators to take greater precautions to protect children on Bahrain’s roads. The ministry mourned the death of Ahmed Osama Adel Khamis Zaman, a student at Arad Intermediate Boys School, who died following a traffic accident on Dry Dock Road.

Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, extended his heartfelt condolences, on behalf of himself and the entire education community, to Ahmed’s parents, family, friends and school community. The ministry also mourned the death of Salman Kareem Abdulrasoul Muhanna, a student at Shaikh Abdullah bin Isa Secondary Industrial Boys School, who died in a separate traffic accident. The deaths came amid a series of traffic incidents involving young people.

Authorities renew child safety warnings

Following the incidents, the General Directorate of Traffic continued to stress the importance of following basic road safety measures, particularly when transporting children. Parents and motorists have been urged to ensure that children are seated in their designated seats and use seat belts and appropriate child seats to reduce the risk of injury. Drivers have also been reminded to come to a complete stop when students are getting off school buses, allowing them to leave safely before the vehicle moves again. Authorities have further called on students to board and exit school buses in an orderly manner and without pushing, helping prevent accidents and injuries around school transport areas.

Focus on school transport safety

As part of its wider traffic awareness efforts, the General Directorate of Traffic has organised awareness lectures for student transport drivers in both the government and private sectors. The sessions aim to strengthen compliance with safe student transportation requirements and traffic laws, while promoting greater safety and smoother traffic movement around schools. The directorate has stressed that student transport drivers must comply with legal speed limits, the authorised number of passengers and designated stopping areas.

Parents urged to check drivers’ licences

The authorities have also called on parents to avoid hiring unlicensed drivers to transport their children. Parents have been urged to verify that drivers have the necessary licence from the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to operate student transport services in accordance with the approved regulations. The requirements apply to both drivers and vehicles and are intended to ensure that students are provided with safe and reliable transportation. Bahrain has also intensified its traffic awareness and enforcement efforts, including the deployment of smart cameras and the imposition of fines for traffic violations. Authorities continue to urge motorists and the wider public to respect traffic rules and regulations, stressing that greater awareness, responsible driving, and compliance with safety requirements are essential to preventing accidents and protecting children on the Kingdom’s roads.