Task force addresses bus safety issues

One of the key questions the task force is considering is whether seat belts on school buses would significantly reduce and mitigate injuries, following several bus crashes throughout Missouri earlier this year.

According to a Department of Public Safety news release, the task force sought input from school bus drivers on several issues, including safety harnesses. Of the 244 respondents who were surveyed, 69 percent were against the implementation of any type of seat belt.

The task force disagreed with implementing lap belts or retro-fitting seat belts, concluding that the system would result in serious neck and spine injury. However, the task force stopped short of discounting the lap-and-shoulder combination, often referred to as the three-point harness.

Before its next meeting, the task force will study liability issues involved with implementing three-point harnesses.

Other action items considered by the task force include more adequate training for drivers, other motorists, teachers and students; an effective means to reviewing technology aimed at bus safety; and pilot programs to help secure missing and incomplete data on bus safety in Missouri.

During discussion and debate, the group agreed to make its recommendations understanding economic impact but not being intimidated by cost factors.

Because many of the items under consideration would fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the task force intends to recommend the appointment of a state director of pupil transportation to oversee, monitor and supervise student transportation in the state.

“The task force is getting to the heart of accident prevention, and although Missouri school transportation is safe, there is always room for improvement. Our recommendations seek to pave the way (to) ensuring our positive record stays intact,” said Mark James, chairman of the task force and director of the Department of Public Safety.

The task force expects to make recommendations to the governor’s office this month before most of the state’s schools begin the 2005–2006 year.