January 13, 2014
Data shows that each year, an average of 21 people are killed and 7,934 people are seriously injured as a result of crashes involving commercial passenger motor coaches and buses. The Nashville Bus Accident Lawyers with Ponce Law explain that in order to address the issue, several changes are being planned regarding standard safety equipment on these vehicles in the future.
A press release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated the agency has issued a ruling that new vehicles used for commercial passenger transportation must be equipped with lap and shoulder belts for each occupant, including the driver. Experts say the new rule will improve the industry’s safety be reducing the number of injuries and deaths that occur each year.
The new law, an amendment to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Standard 208, will go into effect in November 2016 and will only require that vehicles manufactured from that time forward be equipped with seat belts. Transit buses and school buses will also be exempted from the law.
In the wake of the decision, several transportation companies have already begun purchasing new vehicles equipped with safety belts.
Michael D. Ponce & Associates’ team of Nashville Personal Injury Lawyers applauds the new law and is hopeful its requirements will be effective in better protecting those who choose to travel by bus.