Safety Countermeasures is a periodic update of the program activities of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Safety Countermeasures Division
| Content | Cross-cutting Issues | School Bus Safety | Bicycle Safety | Motorcycle Safety | Pedestrian Safety | Research Programs | Announcements |
Additional
School Bus Driver In-Service Safety Series Training Modules Developed
Two additional curriculum modules have been developed as part of the School Bus Driver In-Service Training Series. The Driving Under Adverse Weather Conditions module focuses on the many weather conditions that school bus drivers face throughout the school year. All types of weather conditions are discussed ranging from rain and snow storms to tornados and fires. The second module, Transporting Students With Special Needs, provides school bus operators refresher training on the use and operation of specialized equipment, such as wheelchair lifts and securement systems, used to transport children with special needs. The new training modules are expected in early 2001 and can be obtained by sending your name and mailing address, via fax, to (202) 366-7721 Attn: Arlene.
School
Bus Occupant Protection Research Program Continues
NHTSA's school bus occupant protection research program continues to test a variety of school bus occupant protection systems. Testing is expected to be completed before the end of the year with a final report containing an analysis of the test results being released in early 2001.
Proper
Use of Child Safety Restraint Systems in School Buses Brochure Now Available
As with passenger vehicles, the proper securement of child safety restraint systems in school buses is challenging. Also, like passenger vehicles, a large percentage of child restraint systems are misused in school buses. The new brochure Proper Use of Child Safety Restraint Systems in School Buses was developed to assist transportation providers in correctly securing pre-school age children in child safety restraint systems (CSRS) and properly securing the systems to school bus seats. It provides the basic rules of proper CSRS usage and illustrates the most common mistakes made when installing CSRS in school buses.
Child passenger safety technicians can use this publication as a teaching aid when working with schools and child care centers.
To receive copies of the full color brochure write to: Office of Communication and Outreach; NHTSA, NTS-21; 400 Seventh Street SW; Washington, D.C. 20590. Or send a fax to (202) 493-2062.
TRB School Transportation Study Underway
As mandated in TEA-21, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academy of Sciences is conducting a study to review the safety issues associated with student transportation to school and school-related activities by various modes, including school buses, transit buses, vans, minivans, passenger vehicles, walking, and cycling. The study will determine what is known about the relative safety of various modes of transporting students to schools and school-related activities. It will review past and current school transportation experience, assess the adequacy of data, and consider vehicle design, operator training, and operational issues. The study is scheduled to be completed and a final report issued by September 2001.
School
Bus Specific Child Passenger Safety Training Course Being Developed
Work has begun on the development of a school bus specific child passenger safety training course. The course will focus exclusively on the use of child restraint systems in school buses. It will based on and organized like the current Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Program. It is anticipated the course will be 8 to 12 hours in length and that it will be taught by certified child passenger safety technicians. Pilot testing of the curriculum is expected to be held beginning in early 2001