More than 50,000 buses are being recalled nationwide by the U.S. Department of Transportation after concerns were raised that the seats lack sufficient padding to protect children in the event of a bus accident.
According to a news report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the seats may have been made with styrene blocks that might not provide sufficient impact absorption in certain areas around the steel seat frame of the back support. NHTSA also said that, as such, the buses don’t comply with federal safety standards, particularly those regarding school bus passenger seating and crash protection.
A total of 53,528 school buses manufactured between 2014 and 2020 are being recalled. The buses — the Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner EFX, Minotour, Saf-T-Liner C2, and Saf-T-Liner HDX school bus models—are equipped with SynTec S3B or S3C seats. When the recall begins on Dec. 2, dealers will install additional impact material in the seats at no charge to increase absorption.
How School Buses Are Built
October is observed as National School Bus Safety Month. Statistics show that students are much more likely to arrive at school safely when taking a school bus than when traveling by car. This is because school buses are regulated and designed to be safer than normal passenger vehicles. School buses are also different by design. They are built to be highly visible and include safety features such as flashing red lights, cross-view mirrors, and stop-sign arms. They also include protective seating, high crush standards, and rollover protection features.
Laws also protect students getting on and off a school bus by making it illegal for drivers to pass a school bus while dropping off or picking up passengers. However, many school buses across the country still don’t have seat belts because no laws require them. As a result, when there is a violent crash, we do see catastrophic injuries and deaths, particularly when children are thrown around the bus or ejected from the vehicle.
If Your Child Has Been Injured in a School Bus
Suppose your child has been injured in a school bus accident due to a defectively designed or manufactured school bus. In that case, you may be able to seek compensation for damages from the manufacturer. Your child may be entitled to receive damages, including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced product defect lawyer who has handled auto defect cases can help injured victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.thehour.com/local/article/50-000-school-buses-recalled-nationwide-for-14552641.php?src=nwkhpcp
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.