Overview

• Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said nearly 30,000 school buses were inspected from January through August, with 119 drivers testing positive for drugs and 63 for alcohol.
• Plan Joana requires at least one random screening per driver each year, and companies are now conducting checks quasi-systematically, according to the minister.
• The ministry is developing a drug 'stupotest' starter‑interlock similar to alcohol systems and is evaluating seatbelt buzzers and rapid window‑break devices for buses.
• A dedicated phone line for pupils to report unusual driver behavior is being prepared, alongside tougher penalties including July’s new vehicular homicide offense.
• Officials note 1.9 million pupils use school transport daily; school buses account for 5% of trips but 0.3% of road accidents, with 103 incidents recorded through August resulting in three deaths and 108 minor injuries.