School Bus Safety, Seat Belts, And The Danger Zone In Pennsylvania
Every year in Pennsylvania over 30 thousand school bus drivers log more than 3.5 million miles transporting our precious cargo. Although Pennsylvania state authorities note that school buses are already the safest vehicles on the road, this experienced Philadelphia school bus accident lawyer would argue otherwise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it has been determined that seat belts would not significantly improve safety on school buses and that crash protection is provided through a concept known as compartmentalization.
Unfortunately, in my school bus accident law practice, I do not believe that this is the case. It is interesting to note that many school buses, those with a gross weight rating less than 10,000 lbs., must be equipped with lap or lap/shoulder belts in all designated positions. There is a 10 foot area around a school bus known as the danger zone in which the school bus driver cannot see people or objects. Although failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing could cost a motorist a six day license suspension, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, many times this is not the case.
As an experienced Pennsylvania defective vehicle lawyer who has been handling car accident and school bus accidents since 1979, I believe that despite the caveats set forth by NHTSA, seat belts make a great deal of sense on all vehicles including school buses. Seat belts have been a center piece of U.S. government highway safety strategy for more than 30 years and the main objection to installing seat belts on school buses is cost. Unfortunately in the many months ahead, many more school buses will be involved in crashes. Although many of the crashes will be minor, still our precious cargo will be sent to hospitals with injuries. No doubt the debate will go on and on concerning the wisdom of seat belts on school buses.
The school bus accident lawyers at Reiff & Bily are committed to promoting child safety. If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus accident, please feel free to contact one of our experienced school bus accident lawyers for a free consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.
