The NTSB, National Transportation Safety Board, has repeatedly recommended the mandatory use of seatbelts or other types of seat restraints for all buses. However, the legislation to require seat belts for commercial vehicles is apparently facing more delays. About 50% of all fatalities in charter or tour buses occur as the result of a rollover. As many as 70% of those killed in bus rollover accidents died as a result of being ejected from the vehicle.

The NTSB has been calling for other safety features in buses as well, including stronger window panels that won’t pop out in a crash, and roofs that are stronger so if the bus rolls it won’t crush. It is estimated that hundreds of bus passengers have died and many more have been injured since the NTSB first made these recommendations. A recent chartered bus accident killed three and injured dozens of people when it rolled over on State Highway 161 on the way to a Casino This is just one of many such examples.

The regulations that would require seat restraints were supposed to be put into law in September, but they are still under review by the White House Office of Management and Budget. Other regulations regarding the roof and windows on buses is due next September, but it’s unclear whether that may be put on hold as well. There is no indication as to why the review of these regulations is not complete.

Victims of bus crashes and their families will want to speak with a Houston bus accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident occurs. If the accident is the result of negligence it is likely a Houston bus accident lawyer will review the case to determine how to proceed. In many cases, the victim or their family is entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical costs. Your Houston bus accident lawyer will meet with you to discuss the specific details in your case.