UPDATE: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is urgently demanding stronger seat belt policies for school buses across Texas following a serious crash involving a Leander ISD bus on August 13, 2023. This alarming incident has sparked immediate action from federal authorities, emphasizing the need for enforceable safety measures to protect young passengers.
The NTSB’s recommendations come in the wake of an ongoing investigation into the crash that occurred on Nameless Road, near Sandy Creek. The bus had just departed from Bagdad Elementary School when it rolled over, injuring 16 children and the bus driver. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), conditions were wet due to recent rain, contributing to the accident.
Crucial video evidence reveals that out of the 46 students on board, only six were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Alarmingly, four of those were using only the lap portion of the safety devices. The NTSB stated that the bus was equipped with both lap and shoulder belts as well as five-point child-restraint harnesses, yet compliance was severely lacking.
The agency has pointed fingers at Leander ISD, concluding that the district “did not take sufficient action to ensure passengers were properly belted.” In response, the NTSB is urging the district to adopt enforceable policies mandating that both drivers and students utilize seat belts, ensuring that all passengers are securely restrained.
Texas law currently mandates seat belt use on school buses, but the NTSB is pushing for enhanced compliance measures, including audits, mandatory driver training, and stricter enforcement protocols. The NTSB has also reached out to three national school transportation organizations, asking them to disseminate information about the crash and advocate for stronger seat belt policies nationwide.
Authorities have given the recipients of these recommendations a 30-day window to respond. In a related note, the bus driver has been cited for failing to maintain a single lane and for not adhering to seat belt regulations, although no criminal charges have been filed. Following the incident, Leander ISD confirmed that the driver is no longer employed with the district.
The urgent call for action highlights the critical need for enhanced safety measures in school transportation. As the NTSB works to prevent future tragedies, parents and communities are being urged to stay informed and advocate for stricter safety protocols to protect children on their daily commutes.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
