School Buses are Safe Without Seatbelts, Study Reveals

A new study concluded that school buses are safe enough without seat belts. Researchers estimate that equipping school buses with safety belts would work to prevent only one death every eight years. The study was conducted by the University Transportation Center for Alabama at the behest of Alabama Governor Bob Riley after four students were killed in a school bus crash in 2006.

Because the cost of installing seat belts would run $11,000 to $15,000 per school bus, the state of Alabama has determined that they are not a cost-effective solution. Lawmakers say spending the money on increased safety procedures for students while boarding and getting off buses, which is when most deaths occur, would be a better investment. Georgia legislators may still require safety belts on school buses despite the study's findings. The state had put off making a decision regarding seat belts on school buses until the results of the three-year study were released.

If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer at (404) 262-3343 for a free consultation regarding your case. Mr. Bodner handles all types of auto accident cases in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austelle, Chamblee, College Park, Conyers, Decatur, Doraville, Duluth, Dunwoody, East Point, Hapeville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Riverdale, Rockdale, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Stockbridge, and throughout Gwinett County, Dekalb County, Cobb County, Clayton County, and Fulton County. Our Atlanta injury lawyers will not charge a fee unless you receive a favorable verdict or settlement in your case.

Are 15-Passenger Vans Safe?

A deadly October 3 crash that killed four members of a Georgia church group has raised serious concerns about the safety of 15-passenger vans. The crash occurred on U.S. Highway 27 when the tire blew out on a van carrying 17 members of the Tabernacle of Prayer and Deliverance church of Columbus to a revival meeting in Quincy, Florida. The driver lost control of the van which crossed the median and rolled several times before landing in a ditch. Four passengers, including the church's pastor, were killed, and 13 others were injured in the crash. None of the passengers were wearing seat belts.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, 15-passenger vans are more likely than other passenger vehicles to roll over at high speeds. In fact, they are 50% more likely to be involved in a rollover crash when fully loaded than when empty. The NHTSA offers the following safety tips regarding 15-passenger vans:

• All occupants should wear their safety belts at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
• Operators should make an inspection of the tires and check tire pressure before each use.
• Drivers should be trained, experienced drivers who operate 15-passenger vehicles on a regular basis.
• Drivers should be well rested and refrain from using cell phones, having conversations with other passengers, and engaging in other distracting activities while operating the vehicle.
• Drivers should limit the time they are behind the wheel to eight hours in a 24-hour period.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident involving a 15-passenger van, contact an Atlanta injury lawyer at (404) 262-3343 to discuss your case. Mr. Bodner handles all types of personal injury cases in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austelle, Chamblee, College Park, Conyers, Decatur, Doraville, Duluth, Dunwoody, East Point, Hapeville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Riverdale, Rockdale, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Stockbridge, and throughout Gwinett County, Dekalb County, Cobb County, Clayton County, and Fulton County. The Atlanta injury attorneys at Leigh R. Bodner, P.C. offer a free initial consultation regarding your case.