Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) School bus safety issue raised again following recent school bus accident in California; details reviewed. Safety experts blame drivers for over 1/2 school bus accidents; rest of blame on school buses.
REPORTER: John Chancellor

(California) In California, training program for new school bus drivers underway. In many states, a driver's license is all that's required to drive school bus. School buses built on truck chassis;dangers following bus accidents outlined; construction very bad. Bus seats made of exposed metal pipe; another danger. Tough new federal mfgring. regulations go into effect in fall. Film of simulated bus accidents shown. [Representative John MOSS - thinks should be tough penalties to keep states from shirking law.] Bus construction costly. For awhile, used buses may be purchased to skirt new regulations and incrd. costs of buses.
REPORTER: Dave Riggs

(Richmond, IN) Some schools recognize need for safety in buses and and buy buses from Wayne Corporation in Richmond, IN. Safety features of these buses outlined. [Wayne Corporation Dudley STARR - believes more schools would like to buy safer buses, but tax structure prevents this.] Money needed to upgrade safety on buses and provide needed training for drivers.
REPORTER: David Riggs