Following a significant crash on a West Virginia highway, where a school bus driver was found to be under the influence, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken action to address the alarming issue of impaired school bus drivers. In a groundbreaking move, the NTSB recommended that all newly manufactured school buses be fitted with alcohol detection systems capable of disabling the bus if the driver is detected to be impaired.
Expectations for school bus drivers are heightened compared to regular drivers; they are entrusted with the safety of precious passengers, stated Kris Poland, Deputy Director of the NTSB's Office of Highway Safety.
While the cost implications of installing such systems were not detailed, similar ignition interlock devices required for DUIs run approximately $75 to $150 for installation and about $100 monthly for monitoring. The push for this technology aims at reducing the risk of alcohol-related incidents that could endanger students.
The NTSB’s recommendation is focused primarily on alcohol detection, due to the ongoing challenges of detecting drug impairment with a lack of standardized testing. Despite concerns about pushback from the school bus industry, advocates emphasize the necessity of safeguarding the safety of children during transport.
Current statistics highlight a concerning trend, showing that over the past five years, at least 118 school bus drivers have faced allegations of DUI. This announcement marks a critical step towards enhancing the safety of school transportation across the nation.
