SCHOOL BUS SAFETY: GOVERNMENT WORKING TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM FURTHER ACCIDENT, INJURY AND DEATH.
The National Transportation Secretary announced a proposal for improving school bus safety late last year. The proposal includes higher seat back requirements and improved seat belt standards in an effort to protect children and assure parents of their safety. Implementation of the planned improvements on the country’s 474,000 school buses should be complete by this November. Approximately 7 passengers die per year in school bus accidents. If you or someone close to you has been involved in a school bus accident in California, please contact a lawyer who can help you.
School Bus Improvement Specifics
Even though school bus transportation is one of the safest ways to travel, here are the main proposed improvements:
- Federal Seat Belt Standards
For full-size buses, federal safety standards for seat belts will be provided for school districts that request new belts. This is the first time such standards have been offered. Monies from the Federal Highway Safety funds will cover the cost. - Seat Back Height Adjustment
Current safety requirements include a 20 inch seat back. The new proposal calls for an increase to a 24 inch seat back. This height augmentation should provide better protection for passengers by preventing taller children and adults from being thrown over bus seats during an accident. - Special Seat Belts for Small Buses
Per the proposal, “three-point belts” will replace lap belts on new small buses, since these buses are more likely to roll over than full-sized ones. This will occur within three years.
If you or a family member has been involved in an accident with a school bus in California, you should seek the help of an experienced attorney. Please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). We will consult with you to help determine your rights. Don’t hesitate to protect the safety of your child. Please call us now.
