As part of measures to protect the lives of pupils while being conveyed in their school buses to and from schools, the Federal Road Safety Commission has said school buses will now be painted yellow.

The Ijebu Ode Unit commander of the commission, Mr. Isa Seidu, said this at a public enlightenment campaign for the executive and members of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools on child safety.

He said, “The colour for school buses is glossy yellow. The colour is chosen because of its attention grabbing qualities.

“It gets noticed faster than any other colour. Studies have indicated that human beings notice yellow colour faster than any other eye-catching colours.”

Seidu said the essence of the colour was for the other road users to notice the colour, and take necessary precautions about vehicles conveying school children.

The FRSC boss who lamented the bad conditions of some of the school buses in the state, said the commission was engaging stakeholders on the need to adhere to safety standard.

He urged the proprietors to include in the curriculum a subject on road safety, so as to make them realise the importance of safety.

He stated that enforcement on the colour scheme which would be introduced across the country, would commence after adequate enlightenment has been done.

The chairman of NAPPS, Ijebu Ode chapter,Mr. Olanrewaju Osunjinrin, said the association has resolved to comply by the rules and regulations of the commission, stressing that he would ensure that the members of the association abide by the new colour scheme.

The representative of the state government at the event, Mrs. Gafaru Towobola, said checking of the school buses would be included in the accreditation process.

She said the state government would partner with the commission to ensure safety of school children.

(PUNCH)