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vaoverland
Advanced Member
USA
225 Posts |
 Posted - 05/14/2005 : 03:18:16 AM
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17 years ago this date, at about 11 pm eastern time, the former school bus (church bus) tragedy in Kentucky occurred. Here is a link to an article about it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus_accident_at_Carrollton%2C_Kentucky_in_1988.
One thought: If you are following this forum, perhaps you can help in your church or community by sharing with the non-school, non-profits, what you can of all we have learned (and are still learning) about school bus safety.
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Edited by - vaoverland on 05/16/2005 02:51:19 AM
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Chris
Top Member
USA
1013 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 06:35:34 AM
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I recently wrote a six page speech for my English 3 class, and in fact presented it to the class about 2 weeks ago, on the importance of school bus safety. I used this tragic story as my opening few paragraphs and it really gets the point across. The story is a way to reflect on school buses today, especially here in Kentucky. So many new safety features have been added to buses simply because of the tragic event on May 14, 1988. (one of the worst accidents to ever happen country wide) Probably the biggest being the fuel tank guard that became mandatory on all new buses in 1977, sadly the bus involved in the accident was built prior to April 1, when fuel tank guards began to be installed on buses.
On this, the 17th anniversary of the accident, I ask anyone who does not know about the Carrollton Bus Crash to please read about it and remember those who were involved in the accident. |
My Personal Fleet
1985 Ward Ford #1 Lexington Local - 1990 Wayne International NO.2 Walton-Verona - 1992 Ward Senator NO.4 Walton-Verona *SOLD* |
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mlkdrives41
Top Member
USA
2055 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 07:57:18 AM
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| Good for you Chris to keep this important topic in front of students who probably never heard of this tragedy. |
Nothing great has ever been accomplished without enthusiasm! |
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vaoverland
Advanced Member
USA
225 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 9:40:49 PM
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Chris, I think you are both honoring the memory and perhaps helping, as the story will stick with many folks. A couple aspects still worry me.
One of the biggest ironies was that the Kentucky Fire Marshall ruled that, due to the nature of the impact (a leaf spring punctured the fuel tank) even if one the cages installed in buses after April 1, 1977 had been there, the same result would have likely occurred. A bigger factor which would have made a difference after April 1 was that bodies could not have such a narrow aisle all the way to the back door. There were 2 39" seat cushions and backs on each side of teh aisle flush with the back windows, partially blocking access to that door.
The overloading of the bus is a problem which is still see with some groups. Let's face it, even with more exits, 3 people larger than little (I mean little) folks on a 39" cushion are going to be encroaching on the aisle. Think adult seating capacity for all groups older than primary age.
Familiarity with how to evacuate is another. If schools, hospitals, public buildings, and airlines fire drills and emergency evacuation orientation are worthwhile, shouldn't we also?
If you get another school project, why not right up a sorta fun boarding announcement we could print here? You could make it a fun thing by having a flight attendants designated who can quickly welcome everyone, point out the basic rules, and emergency exits. Sorry, but do to the nature of our trip, there will be no smoking, meals, of beverage services. We know you have a choice, thank you for choosing to ride safely with us. etc. In the process, if the rear e door is a major exit, consider discussing who will be riding adjacent band be responsible for helping others jump down.
I have actually done something like this on school bus contracting charters, and it took very little time, and was both fun and professional.
Thanks again for your caring.
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Wayne's Lifeguard in 1973 was a safety design and building concept ahead of its time and regulation. I am proud to have helped bring over 2,000 of them into Virginia during my career. I know they saved some lives.
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/WayneBusEnthusiasts/
Mark Fisher, semi-retired school bus driver, pupil transportation supervisor, contractor, and school bus body dealer, Williamsburg, VA |
Edited by - vaoverland on 05/14/2005 9:43:58 PM |
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1042
Senior Member
USA
156 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2005 : 06:13:27 AM
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Great comments and insights! These provide an excellent example of how the experience and memory of such bitter tragety can become a legacy of commitment to better things.
In my mind and memory that incident speaks loudly among the many examples of impared driver (wasn't it a DUI wrong-way driver?) on the roadway resulting in such a senseless aftermath.
Here is how I am personally in touched with the memory of all that. When I walk by my bus and/or board it I don't usually miss noticing the tank cage and can't help but to be reminded that the driving force requiring it's placement on all school buses is associated with that sad occurance. |
1042 |
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School Project?
