• 20
  • August
    2010

With the economy, health care, the Gulf oil leak and more, one project that the Obama administration has taken on is not being widely discussed, but it is important for the future safety of commercial bus riders, which is an issue close to many people's hearts in Texas.

In 2008, a tragic Texas commercial bus accident killed 17 riders and injured others who were riding the bus just about one hour north of Dallas. Since the fatal crash, investigators have determined that the main reason the passengers in that crash were fatally injured was because they were not wearing seat belts.

According to research, 186 people have died in commercial bus accidents between 1999 and 2008. The Obama administration wants to make public transportation safer and announced this week that it will attempt to require that all commercial buses have safety belts.

The administration is not alone in their efforts. You probably recognize the name Ray LaHood. He is the U.S. Secretary of Transportation whose work has moved the country toward adopting anti-texting while driving laws. LaHood is also behind the most recent bill that proposes required seat belts in commercial buses.

Proposals to get seat belts in commercial buses have been introduced before but without success. This time, however, the American Bus Association is proving to be more open to the idea of increasing safety in their U.S. buses, and they are thoughtfully considering the bill.

The bill is currently being reviewed by Congress and is still open to any changes requested by Congress or other interested parties, such as the American Bus Association. Overall, it seems as though the country might be moving toward having safer commercial transit, especially with President Obama on board with the plan. 

Resource

The Dallas Morning News: Bus seat belt rule proposed by Obama Administration (8/17/2010)