A file photo of school children gesturing as they sit inside an overcrowded auto on their way home in Madurai. In spite of the risk, parents and authorities remain silent, but only as long as accidents don't happen. Photo: S. James
School children lining up to board a school van. School providing their own transport must put in place stringent safety measures to protect their students. Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam
A file photo of school children boarding a van. Such vans usually take on many more students than is permitted, compromising their safety Photo: R. Shivaji Rao
The school van that fell into a pond, killing 10 including 9 children in Katripulam village in Vedaranyam on December 3, 2009. Photo: M. Moorthy
Private school van operators were on a five day strike after the Vedaranyam incident, as the authorities concerned enforced strict vigil on overcrowded vans. Photo: K. Pichumani
School vans and buses assembled in Madurai for verification of documents and driver licenses on December 10, 2009, as a precautionary measure after the Vedaranyam accident. Photo: S. James
Parents dropping their children in school by two-wheeler, after a strike was announced by private school van operators in Chennai on December 9, 2010, following the Vedaranyam accident. Photo: M. Vedhan
Auto drivers taking an oath on obeying traffic rules, to mark the Road Safety Awareness week in Thanjavur on January 06, 2010. It’s a collective responsibility of parents, transport operators, school authorities and public officials to ensure safety of the children. Photo: M. Srinath
The bus involved in the death of 5-year-old Afrin in Alandur. The driver has been arrested for rash and negligent driving. The victim's father was a witness to the incident. Photo: A. Muralitharan
A file photo of traffic policemen and students pushing a school van near Rajaji Salai in Chennai. Problems like breakdowns add to the difficulties of school children. Photo: S. Thanthoni