UPDATE: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued an urgent call for stronger seat belt policies on school buses in Texas following a serious crash involving a Leander ISD bus on August 13, 2023. This recommendation comes after an investigation revealed alarming details about student safety during the incident, where only a fraction of students were properly restrained.
The crash occurred on Nameless Road, shortly after the bus departed from Bagdad Elementary School. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) indicated that wet road conditions contributed to the rollover accident. Investigators noted that while the bus was equipped with passenger lap and shoulder belts, only six out of 46 students were wearing them at the time of the crash. Disturbingly, just four students were using the lap belts correctly, highlighting a significant lapse in safety compliance.
NTSB officials have criticized Leander ISD for failing to ensure that students were adequately restrained. The board’s recommendations call for enforceable policies that mandate both students and drivers to use seat belts. They urge the state of Texas to enhance compliance through rigorous audits, comprehensive driver training, and strict enforcement measures.
Following the crash, 16 children were hospitalized for various injuries, alongside the bus driver. Video evidence shows the bus veering across double yellow lines before rolling over, raising serious concerns about operational safety protocols. The bus driver was cited for failing to maintain a single lane and for a safety belt violation; however, no criminal charges were filed. Notably, as of August 27, 2023, the driver is no longer with Leander ISD.
The NTSB has also reached out to three national school transportation organizations, urging them to share the findings and advocate for stronger seat belt policies across the nation. The recipients of these recommendations have 30 days to respond, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
This call to action comes at a critical time, as school districts nationwide face scrutiny over student safety measures. The NTSB’s recommendations could lead to sweeping changes in how school buses operate, ensuring that students are better protected during their commutes.
As the investigation unfolds, parents and community members are urged to stay informed and advocate for stricter safety regulations. The message is clear: student safety cannot be compromised, and immediate action is necessary to prevent future tragedies. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
