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Seatbelts to Become Mandatory for Motorcoach Drivers and Occupants?

The federal government has stepped into the bus-seatbelt debate by announcing a proposal that would require all new motorcoaches to have lap / shoulder belts.  The intention of this proposal is to save lives and prevent injuries for drivers and passengers of motorcoaches.

Lap / shoulder belts would, argues U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, prevent drivers and passengers from being ejected from the motorcoach in the event of a crash.  This proposal upholds the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mission to “save lives and reduce injuries”.  LaHood added, "Seat belts save lives, and putting them in motorcoaches just makes sense."

Typically motorcoach travel in Texas and across the U.S. is safe.  On average, 19 people riding on motorcoaches lose their lives in crashes each year.  The government argues that lap / shoulder belts could easily cut down on this number, citing an NHTSA statistic that a passenger’s rollover fatality risk is reduced by 77 percent when they are used correctly.

This proposed bill is open for public comment for 60 days.  Other plans to address motorcoach safety include plans to address driver fatigue and inattention behind the wheel, and plans to improve operator maintenance of motorcoaches.  Research is also being sponsored to look into motorcoach construction, emergency exit design, and fire safety standards.

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