On October 15, 2008, the United States Secretary of Transportation announced new rules that will make school buses safer for students. The rules include requiring higher seat backs that will prevent taller children or adults from being thrown out of their seats and risking injuries to themselves and others, mandating seat belts to protect children while in their seats, and setting standards for the seat belts for different types of buses. For example, a bus weighing less than five tons will require three-point seatbelts that consist of a lap and shoulder belt. Statistically, smaller buses are more vulnerable in a crash and more damage and injuries can be caused than for a larger bus. Districts will be allowed access to federal funds to pay for belt installations, according to the report, which can be found at www.dot.gov.
This news should be welcomed by Douglasville and Atlanta residents, as our roads have become busier. As a Douglas County serious injury attorney, I realize that bus accidents are common and that measures to improve bus safety are essential in protecting Douglasville youth.
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in an automobile accident or bus accident, please contact my Douglasville law firm for a free consultation
