The drivers there are generally patient. They do not honk unnecessarily and do not overtake you just because you are slower.

In areas where there are children, large warning signs calling out for motorists to 'watch out for children' are displayed prominently. These are accompanied by another sign that limits driving speeds to 20mph (about 30kmh).

When a school bus arrives at a bus-stop, all vehicles in the vicinity must stop at least one car length from the bus to allow the children to board or alight. Children can cross the road themselves without assistance as motorists will stop for them.

In residential areas, children can cycle, skate and play safely as all cars travel at 30kmh or slower. In school zone areas, the speed limit is down to 20kmh.

However, in Singapore, it seems that the school bus timing is scheduled according to the convenience of the bus operators so that they can maximise their income.

Pupils are forced to wake up before sunrise to catch the school bus to accommodate drivers who speed on the road in order to meet their other transport schedules.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) should do more than just impose a seat-belt rule in minibuses. The LTA should restrict school minibuses to ferrying pupils.

The Education Ministry should fund the purchase of school buses for all schools, which, in turn, should hire their own drivers.

Our children's well-being is more important than mere dollars and cents.

Shirley Woon (Mdm)