Safety First!
Below I have information included information from the National Coalition For School Bus Safety about what bus modifications could be made to improve our school buses.
Seat Belts
The erroneous arguments against safety belts are now attributed to an economically motivated industry. The truly valid reasons for their use have been scientifically proven and widely accepted. Seat belt son large school buses have been endorsed by The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, National PTA, Fire Marshals Association, American College of Preventive Medicine, Physicians for Automotive Safety, National Coalition of School Bus Safety, and more.
Swing-Arm or Crossing Arm or Electronic Undercarriage Sensor and Alarm
The classic school bus has a large blind-spot area that the driver cannot monitor. Children are often tempted to retrieve a dropped item or short-cut under a bumper. Last year over 20 children were run over by their own bus. This safety device helps prevent tragedy. Seventeen states currently require swing-arms.
Non-Conforming Vehicles
The Federal Government prohibits schools from purchasing these converted vans. However, many schools still utilize these vehicles.
Strobe Lights
Strobe Technology is commonly used by police, fire, ambulance, etc., for greater visibility. A strobe stop light can be seen at 3 times the distance of the standard incandescent flasher.
Roof Hatches
The Federal Government requires at least one roof hatch in every NEW large school bus. It is difficult to enter a rolled-over bus that lacks this roof hatch. Approximately 400, 000 USA buses lack this inexpensive safety feature.
Automatic Tire Chains or Traction Control System
Most Fire Department trucks and ambulances in colder climate areas are equipped.
Flame-Retardant Fabric/Materials
These materials are readily available for use in large school buses. Unfortunately, less that 1% of USA buses are built with these safer materials.
Cell-Phone or Two Way Radio
Communication can prevent accidents and help obtain more rapid emergency assistance.
Mandated Driver Training/Driver background Checks
State laws vary widely. Some states lack this basic regulation.
Video Surveillance System
Student-passenger behavior greatly improved in communities that have installed these cameras. Driver distraction is also minimized when these cameras are utilized.
Dangerous Pick-Up/Drop Off Zones
Has your child been assigned a potentially dangerous drop-off/pick-up location, when a better spot is available???
Long ride times (duration) for your child
Does your school bus’s route require excessive or unfairly long ride times (duration) for your child??? Usually more buses and a more direct route would cut travel time.
Does your child’s bus seem always over-crowded???
Federal law allows crowding 3 passengers into a 42 inch seat. The average 1st grader is 16 inches wide in the rear. Obviously, a child’s safety is compromised if they are half off the seat of a moving vehicle.
Also most states have outlawed standees! An over-crowded bus with standees should be photographed (if possible) and reported to your state police dept. of transportation enforcement section and school transportation administrator.
Does your child’s school bus have inadequate ventilation or poor air quality???
Does your child complain of diesel fumes or headaches while on the bus?? Have you observed the bus driver having to use a rag or paper towel to wipe the inside of the windshield (while driving) to maintain visibility???
Are your school bus’s maintenance records available for public inspection???
Does your bus have re-treads or re-conditioned tires??? (some states have outlawed retreads on the front wheels of school buses). Are safety inspections completed on a quarterly basis or every 3000 miles???
Does your school bus have a “black-box” recording monitor???
These electronic devices can record speed, # hours of driver operation, length of time at each stop, crash forces and more. The trucking industry and aviation industry has embraced this readily available technology.
