Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. Examines School Bus Crashworthiness in Wake of a Fatal School Bus Wreck in New Jersey
OLIVE, N.J. (PRWEB) May 23, 2018 -- A deadly school bus accident in New Jersey has left many victims and questions in its wake. As local and federal authorities continue to investigate the causes of this tragic crash, Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. has examined the latest data on school bus crashworthiness, exposing the potential vulnerabilities of these vehicles in side-impact collisions.
A Look at School Bus Crashworthiness in Side-Impact Collisions
According to data (https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are about 70 times more likely (than passenger vehicles) to safely transport children to and from school. This is due to various safety features of school buses, from their energy-absorbing seatbacks to the “compartmentalization” design of their seats.
Despite this, however, school buses are not without their vulnerabilities. This is especially true when it comes to side-impact crashes with trucks and heavy vehicles.
In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that new school buses be equipped with additional safety features, including 3-point seatbelts, to enhance protections in the event of side-impact collisions (currently, federal regulations only require that “small” school buses, meaning those weighing less than 10,000 pounds, be equipped with seat belts).
Specifically, the NTSB has stated (https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/Pages/schoolbuses.aspx):
Although school buses are extremely safe, we have investigated school bus crashes in which children were injured and even killed. These were typically side-impact crashes or high-speed rollovers. In these accidents, compartmentalization was not enough to prevent all injuries; for some of the children involved, a seat belt could have lessened their injuries or even saved their lives. As a result of our school bus crash investigations, we believe—and have recommended—that, when investing in new school buses, the purchased vehicles should provide children with the best protection available, which includes 3-point seat belts.
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. extends the deepest condolences to the victims of the New Jersey school bus accident, as well as the victims of any serious motor vehicle crash. Our lawyers are devoted to providing compassionate support and superior legal advocacy to those harmed in any type of serious traffic accident.
About Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. is a premier personal injury firm dedicated to the pursuit of justice for those who have been harmed by negligence. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing clients in various personal injury matters, from motor vehicle accident and work accident cases to medical malpractice claims, product liability cases and more.
Michael Maggiano, ESQ, Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C., https://www.maggianolaw.com/, +1 201-585-9111, [email protected]
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