Yesterday (Jan. 26) marked the first school day since the new seat belt regulations came into effect, with the updated law now applicable to school buses and nanny vans.
A Wen Wei Po reporter visited a primary school in Sheung Shui in the morning to observe students' compliance with wearing seat belts on school buses.
According to the school's principal, to further align with the new regulation, the school has stepped up promotion through social media and morning assemblies, and has urged nanny van operators to either replace those vehicles without seat belts or install seat belts as soon as possible. Additionally, he suggested that operators could consider adopting a system similar to that used in tour coaches by installing seat belt detection devices to enhance monitoring.
At around 7 a.m. yesterday, several school buses arrived one after another outside Fung Kai No.1 Primary School in Sheung Shui. Some students unbuckled their seat belts and got off, while students from other schools remained on board, keeping their seat belts fastened as they waited for the next stop.
Among them, a third-grade female student from Fung Kai No.1 Primary School said she takes a nanny van from Shenzhen to school every day. The van carries around 40 students, most of whom voluntarily fasten their seat belts. The nanny also reminds those who haven't yet buckled up to do so promptly.
"My parents and the nanny often remind me, so I always wear a seat belt on school buses and other forms of transportation. However, some seat belts are quite tight, which can sometimes feel uncomfortable," the student said.
Principal Chu Wai-lam said that among the school's approximately 600 students, about 180 take nanny vans. The school currently collaborates with several nanny van companies, operating around 10 routes. Two of these routes still use vehicles without seat belts.
"Although the proportion of vehicles without seat belts is not high, the school will still closely monitor the situation and encourage nanny van operators to replace or install seat belts as soon as possible."
He emphasized that children's safety is "the top priority." To earn parents' trust and enhance market competitiveness, he believes operators will promptly switch to vehicles equipped with seat belts.
He also suggested that nanny van operators consider introducing a safety alert system that sounds an alarm if a seat belt is unfastened. Additionally, they should install closed-circuit television cameras in the vehicles to monitor whether students unbuckle their seat belts or engage in dangerous behaviors like standing while the vehicle is in motion.
"We will undoubtedly continue to upgrade safety and detection systems in transportation equipment in the future to better protect children."
However, he also pointed out that since the cost of replacing vehicles or installing seat belts falls on the operators, some nanny van services may raise their fees as a result.
The Transport Department previously stated that if a child fails to wear a seat belt, the responsibility lies with the child. The court may invoke the Juvenile Offenders Ordinance to order parents or guardians to pay the fine on behalf of the child.
Chu noted that the school has reminded operators that for vehicles equipped with seat belts, they must ensure students wear them and strengthen inspections.
"The nanny ensures all students have fastened their seat belts before the vehicle departs. When the vehicle stops, they also check whether students in the back rows have unfastened their seat belts. If any issues arise during the journey, students can raise their hands to seek help from the nanny."
As for vehicles not yet equipped with seat belts, students are reminded to sit properly, hold their school bags in front of them as a simple protective measure, and avoid moving around or playing in the vehicle to reduce safety risks.
Meanwhile, the school had already communicated the details of the new regulations to parents through messaging groups two weeks prior. Chu mentioned that most parents have expressed understanding, and the penalties themselves serve as a warning.
"This makes parents pay more attention to traffic safety and take the initiative to educate their children on wearing seat belts properly. We believe that no one will be penalized as long as everyone follows the rules."
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Li Qianxun)
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