Bus Size May Have Saved Lives

Posted on Monday, March 31, 2008

Experts say the sheer size of a tour bus that was knocked off a South Dakota road in a crash that injured more than 50 passengers probably saved them from more serious injuries. On Wednesday, a car hit the tour bus head-on, forcing it off the road and onto its side near Madison.
But National Transportation Safety Board experts also suggest higher standards for motorcoaches, which do not have the same safety requirements as school buses. Motorcoaches often have much space between the seats, which increases the injury potential. School buses have high seats designed to cushion the blow during crashes and keep passengers in their seats. Nine years ago, the N-T-S-B recommended stronger roofs, more accessible emergency exits and an occupant protection system. A Sioux Falls doctor who treated some of the injured people says seat belts would have lessend the injuries.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)