URGENT UPDATE: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is urgently calling for the state of Texas to enforce stronger seat belt policies on school buses following a devastating crash involving a Leander ISD bus that left multiple children injured. This critical recommendation comes in the wake of an investigation into the August 13 incident on Nameless Road, where a bus carrying 46 students overturned shortly after departing from Bagdad Elementary School.
The NTSB’s recommendations, issued just hours ago, demand immediate action from Texas officials and school districts to ensure that both drivers and students are wearing seat belts. Shockingly, investigators found that only six out of the 46 students on the bus were buckled up at the time of the crash, despite the vehicle being equipped with lap and shoulder belts along with five-point child-restraint harnesses.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the road conditions were wet due to rain when the accident occurred. Video footage revealed alarming behavior, showing the bus crossing double yellow lines multiple times before it rolled over. Following the crash, 16 children were hospitalized for their injuries, and the bus driver was also taken for treatment.
“Leander ISD did not take sufficient action to ensure passengers were properly belted,” stated NTSB officials, highlighting serious lapses in safety protocol. As a result, the NTSB is pushing for enforceable policies that mandate seat belt use and training for drivers to prevent future tragedies. Texas law does require seat belts on school buses, but the NTSB insists that additional measures must be implemented to ensure compliance, including regular audits and mandatory training.
The agency has given recipients of these recommendations, including three national school transportation organizations, 30 days to respond. The NTSB’s push for enhanced safety measures is critical, as it seeks to share vital information about this incident and foster stronger seat belt policies nationwide.
In a related development, the Leander ISD bus driver has been cited for failing to drive in a single lane and for a seat belt violation. Although no criminal charges were filed, the district confirmed on August 27 that the driver is no longer employed by them.
This urgent call to action from the NTSB highlights the pressing need for improved safety measures in school transportation. As investigations continue, parents and guardians are left to grapple with the emotional fallout from this incident, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that every child is safely secured during their journey to and from school.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on this vital safety issue.
