Transportation of Children

Question

[b] [/b] I'd like some information regarding transportation in Daycares. I've searched and couldn't find anything. Are kids under the age of 5 at Daycares allowed to be transported by a bus to and from an outing? What about the law about kids must be buckled in, wouldn't it count here? Could you please help me with information. Also if a car has 3 seatbelts at the back and you are transporting someone else’s child on an outing (2 year olds) how many kids are you allowed at the back? I was told that there should be 2 kids and an adult, is this correct? Sorry for the questions, but I really want to gather all info I can before I make a decision to let my child go on an outing. It's my child's safety here. [b]

Answer

[/b] The law is quite clear on transportation of persons. All references are made to the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996 as amended): Regulation 213: deals with seatbelts comprehensively. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that all children aged 3 - 14 years wear a seatbelt (below 3 years in a child restraint). A light motor vehicle can transport five persons (there are five seatbelts available). If any person under three is being transported, the person shall be in a child restraint. No ratio of adults to children is mentioned: ie a mini bus (16 seater) could have the driver, one adult to supervise and 14 children in child restraints (if all under three years). It is further important to note that the driver needs to hold a PRdP (P).