Districts Make Sure Drivers Buckle Up

Indianapolis, IN
I-Team 8’s investigation into seat belt use among bus drivers showed a disturbing trend: a growing number of drivers who aren’t buckled up behind the wheel.

But, we also found some local school districts that are taking a unique step to make sure drivers are buckled up.

It’s a simple change in color that’s making all the difference.

The push began after a Carmel-Clay school bus driver who wasn’t wearing his seat belt was bounced out of his seat. Surveillance video from that Carmel crash last May showed the driver’s seat belt hanging, unbuckled by his side, as his bus became a 30,000 pound battering ram, slamming through a fence and into a home.

The driver had been bounced out of his “air cushion” seat after hitting a bump. Fortunately, there were no children on board, and the driver wasn’t seriously hurt.

Safe Havens, International

New Drivers a Factor in Increased Manatee School Bus Accidents

Manatee, FL
Just two months into the academic calendar, Manatee County school buses have been involved in 11 accidents -- already half of the previous school year's total numbers, according to transportation officials.

Drivers have been at fault in five cases this year.

Twenty-three accidents were reported in all of 2011-12, and five bus drivers were charged. In 2010-11, two school employees were cited in 22 accidents.

Sheryl Riker, director of transportation for Manatee schools, has not had a chance to analyze all contributing factors, but said new drivers may explain the increase.

Safe Havens, International