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School Bus Safety Act of 2023
3/13/2024, 1:09 PM
Summary of Bill S 2746
One of the key provisions of the School Bus Safety Act is the requirement for all school buses to be equipped with seat belts. This measure aims to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash or sudden stop. Additionally, the bill calls for increased training for school bus drivers to ensure they are well-prepared to handle emergency situations and prioritize the safety of their passengers.
Another important aspect of the School Bus Safety Act is the implementation of stricter maintenance and inspection requirements for school buses. By mandating regular checks and repairs, the bill aims to prevent mechanical failures that could put students at risk. Furthermore, the School Bus Safety Act includes provisions for the installation of cameras on school buses to monitor driver behavior and ensure that traffic laws are being followed. This measure is intended to hold drivers accountable and deter reckless driving. Overall, the School Bus Safety Act of 2023 seeks to prioritize the safety of students by implementing measures such as seat belts, driver training, maintenance requirements, and surveillance cameras. If passed, this legislation has the potential to significantly improve the safety of school bus transportation in the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 2746
School Bus Safety Act of 2023
This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue rules requiring school buses to have certain safety features. DOT must also establish a grant program to assist in the implementation of the requirements.
Specifically, DOT must issue rules requiring school buses to include
- three-point safety belts for all seats,
- a fire suppression system which addresses engine fires,
- a firewall between the engine and passenger compartment that prevents hazardous quantities of gas or flames from passing through the firewall,
- increased performance standards for interior flammability and smoke emissions,
- an automatic emergency braking system,
- an event data recorder, and
- an electronic stability control system.
DOT must also require at least eight hours of behind-the-wheel training for school bus operators that meets specified requirements.
Further, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) must issue rules on the evaluation of safety sensitive personnel for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.
NHTSA must also study the benefits of requiring school buses manufactured in, or imported into, the United States to be equipped with a motion-activated detection system that is capable of detecting road users (e.g., pedestrians and bicyclists) and alerting the bus operator of their presence. NHTSA must issue rules implementing such a requirement.
Finally, DOT must establish a grant program to assist local educational agencies in (1) purchasing school buses equipped with three-point safety belts or any of the other safety features required under this bill, and (2) modifying existing school buses.
