Control operation in school coaches in Châteaubriant on January 14, 2021. -

Gendarmerie de Loire-Atlantique

  • The gendarmerie checked more than 8,000 middle and high school students taking the school bus.

  • Objective: to raise awareness of respect for the seat belt and the wearing of the fluorescent vest.

  • Verbalizations are considered during future operations.

Morning surprise for more than 8,000 middle and high school students in Loire-Atlantique this Thursday.

The national gendarmerie, in conjunction with the regional council and the state services, had decided to organize a vast operation of unannounced checks on respect for the seat belt and fluorescent vest in school transport.

Some 200 coaches were stopped between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. in the Ancenis, Châteaubriant, Savenay and Machecoul sectors.

And the results are up to the fears that motivated the operation: 99% of students do not fasten their seat belts!

It's hardly better for safety vests, which are also compulsory when getting on and off the coach.

"The finding is obviously not satisfactory," comments Pierre Chaudeleur, sub-prefect of Châteaubriant-Ancenis.

Mentalities must change.

At this age, some students begin to be responsible, others like to brave the prohibitions.

But everyone must understand that the instructions and safety devices are there to protect them.

They are not gimmicks.

"

Real risk of fines

If it was this Wednesday of an operation of "prevention and education", the police will not always be so accommodating, warns the sub-prefect.

Other operations will be organized during the year and verbalizations (fine of 135 euros) may be sent to students, payable by parents.

"The seat belt has been compulsory in coaches since 2015 and we are fighting to have it fastened," regrets Sébastien Crosouard, president of the Châteaubriant-Derval inter-communal transport union.

In elementary school, there is nothing to worry about, but starting from middle school, it is difficult to convince.

The driver, alone, is powerless.

He cannot leave his driving position to check each belt.

Parents are expected to demonstrate pedagogy.

It is their responsibility.

"

"The belt saves lives"

Gilles Foliard, squadron leader of the departmental road safety squadron (EDSR), recalls that the belt “saves lives”.

“Fortunately, we have not recently experienced a dramatic school bus accident in this department but there have been in other areas.

And even in the event of a collision or exit from the road, which happens from time to time, the students risk a shock, or even tip over in the windshield for those seated in the front.

When you have a head injury, it can be very serious.

"

The squadron leader also insists on the importance of the fluorescent vest, "essential to ensure the visibility of pedestrians, especially at this time of year".

In the Pays-de-la-Loire region, this vest has been green for a year.

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