The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today that they have proposed a rule that would require motorcoach buses to have lap/shoulder belts installed while traveling between Washington, D.C. and New York, in order to lessen the risk of riders being through about in the event of a crash.
Motorcoach buses are defined as; "intercity, tour, or commuter buses having a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds that seats at least 16 passengers and has at least two rows of forward-facing seats behind the driver." according to Ray LaHood, Transportation Secretary of the NHTSA.
The rule would not include urban transit buses and large school buses. The NHTSA says that fewer crashes resulting in the ejection or fatality of passengers occurs less on urban buses. Small school buses (less than 10,000 pounds) will be required to have lap/shoulder belts beginning on January of 2011.
According to NHTSA officials, up to eight lives would be saved and 114 to 794 injuries prevented each year if the installment of lap/shoulder belts was implemented on motorcoach buses. Federal data shows that 19 motorcoach passengers are killed each year. The installation of the belts would reduce the risk to passengers by 77%. The NHTSA is committed to saving lives and making sure that travelers reach their destinations safely.
This proposed rule is open for public comment for the next 90 days and would go into effect three years after the rule is passed.
