NHTSA Meeting Update: 3-Point Seat Belt Systems

Update: 3-Point Seat Belt Systems  During an address of the general membership at the NAPT Summit in Richmond Virginia, in November 2015, the executive administrator of NHTSA, Dr. Mark Rosekind, focused his remarks on the need to require three-point seat belts systems on school buses, and asserted that further investigation into the issue was essential. The announcement was a major departure from the past stance NHTSA had taken regarding an optional requirement for the use of seatbelts in school buses. As result of the announcement and quest for information, the Governors of the 6 States that currently have school bus seatbelt laws in effect were asked to send representatives to Washington to meet with NHTSA and discuss real world child restrain systems experiences and concerns with a rule that would mandate 3-point child restraint systems on school buses.

Update: 3-Point Seat Belt Systems On Thursday, March 24, 2016, representatives from the following states attended a meeting with NHTSA at the DOT Headquarters in Washington D.C.  California  Florida  Louisiana  New Jersey  New York  Texas Florida Representatives: Don Carter, Transportation Director, St Lucie County Schools Arby Creach, Transportation Director, Brevard County Schools Ralph Salvas, Safety Program Manager, FL DOT Safety Office

Update: 3-Point Seat Belt Systems NHTSA opening comments covered interest in the following areas:  What are the concerns/barriers to implementation  What unique solutions are available  What lesson have the states learned  Focus is on safety for our students

Update: 3-Point Seat Belt Systems Specific questions covered were:  How and why the requirement was adopted in your state?  Has the requirement been fully adopted?  Do you have local district seat belt policies?  How is implementation and compliance monitored?  What positive outcomes have you experienced?  Do you have specific crash information involving school buses regarding the use of seatbelts and student injuries?  What has been the economic impact on Districts  What has been the impact on student ridership  Unintended consequences  Student training specific to school bus seat belt use  Education programs in schools supporting the use od school bus seat belts  Cautions to other states regarding instituting seat belt laws  What types of technical assistance should be made available to help states adopting and implementing 3 point seat belt systems in school buses  Other safety enhancing activities essential to the transportation of students

Update: 3-Point Seat Belt Systems Specific meeting recommendations to NHTSA:  Update studies on 3-point child restraint systems and the continuing need for strict compartmentalization requirements  Complete extensive stress testing across states to determine the “real” cost and effectiveness before making a comprehensive rule or law  Recommend minimum standards  Launch a strong PR campaign well ahead of the new mandate with a strong marketing component that addresses all concerns pro and con  More interaction and communication between NHTSA and the pupil transportation community

Update: 3-Point Seat Belt Systems Final Comments:  Vast differences among states regarding student transportation priorities  States and federal agencies are very reactive and not as proactive  Create a prioritized listing of specific actions and timelines to include specific next steps NHTSA will take with along term plan and commitment  Rose Garden events to kick off next actions and justifications

Update: 3-Point Seat Belt Systems Questions/Discussion?