New School Bus Safety Features Aim to Protect Students and Drivers

Every school day, more than 25 million kids board school buses, which are considered one of the safest vehicles on the road. However, there is a critical safety feature missing from the vast majority of these buses - seatbelts. The absence of seatbelts poses a significant risk to the students and drivers.

A Tragic Incident

In 2018, a devastating accident occurred on a New Jersey highway, resulting in the loss of a beloved 5th grade teacher, Jennifer Williamson-Kennedy, and a student. The school bus they were on was crushed by a dump truck. This tragic incident led to profound grief, and a scholarship was subsequently established in Williamson-Kennedy's honor. This heartfelt gesture, along with the community's ongoing tributes, serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of the accident.

Urgent Need for Seatbelts

The bus involved in the accident was equipped with lap belts, which proved ineffective in ensuring safety. The implementation of three-point safety belts is crucial, as demonstrated by a crash test conducted at IMMI's Indiana facility. The test revealed that occupants wearing three-point seatbelts remained secure during a simulated collision, while unbelted individuals were propelled forcefully. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures on school buses.

Advocating for Change

Over the past decade, school bus accidents have claimed the lives of 1,110 individuals, averaging 111 fatalities annually. Acknowledging this alarming statistic, eight states have enacted legislation mandating the installation of seat belts in new school buses. Notably, the former administrator of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, Mark Rosekind, emphasized the importance of seat belts on school buses as far back as 2015. Despite resistance from certain quarters within the industry, the imperative to prioritize safety over cost considerations cannot be understated.

Embracing Enhanced Safety Features

Recognizing the critical need to enhance safety standards, bus manufacturer Blue Bird has taken proactive steps to address this issue. Their new buses will be equipped with three-point seatbelts for all passengers, while the inclusion of driver airbags will be standard in the following year, at no additional cost. This pivotal development marks a significant milestone in the industry and is poised to set a new standard for school bus safety nationwide.

Advocating for Widespread Adoption

Advocacy groups and safety agencies have long championed the incorporation of these advanced safety features in school buses. Mark Rosekind heralded Blue Bird's proactive measures as a potential catalyst for industry-wide transformation. He emphasized the importance of making these safety enhancements the standard across all school buses, underscoring the imperative of safeguarding the lives of students and drivers.