Articles/News with NHTSA tag

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NHTSA denies petition to require lap-shoulder belts on large buses
August 29, 2011
The agency says it is denying the petition because it has “not found a safety problem supporting a federal requirement for lap-shoulder belts on large school buses, which are already very safe.” The petition for rulemaking came from the Center for Auto Safety and 21 other groups.
Feds: Truck, bus standards to save $50 billion in fuel costs
August 9, 2011
The Obama administration says that under its new standards for fuel efficiency and pollution, trucks and buses built in 2014 through 2018 will reduce oil consumption by a projected 530 million barrels and greenhouse gas by about 270 million metric tons.
NHTSA assessing pedestrian safety around hybrid vehicles
July 19, 2011
Possible rulemakings include requiring electric and hybrid vehicle makers to add sounds that alert the visually impaired and other pedestrians when these vehicles are operating at low speeds. A NHTSA spokesperson confirms that school buses would be included.

Traffic fatalities hit historic low
April 4, 2011
The number and rate of U.S. traffic deaths in 2010 dropped to the lowest levels since 1949. Still, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says that “too many of our friends and neighbors are killed in preventable roadway tragedies every day.”
Federal agencies speak out on passenger van use
December 14, 2010
NHTSA and FMCSA administrators send a letter to all 50 states’ motor vehicle administrators to remind them that 12- or 15-passenger vans should not be used to transport students because they do not provide the same level of safety as school buses.
Cummins supports greenhouse gas, fuel efficiency standards
November 16, 2010
Company executive Dr. Stephen J. Charlton testifies at a public hearing about the EPA and NHTSA's proposed Heavy-Duty National Program, which would reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency for heavy-duty engines and vehicles. Charlton says that Cummins looks forward to working with the agencies to deliver a final rule on the program.
Feds unveil efficiency standards for trucks, buses
October 26, 2010
The EPA and NHTSA propose the first national standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks and buses. School buses are included in the vocational vehicles category.
State directors support seat belt proposal for motorcoaches
October 21, 2010
NASDPTS backs the federal proposal to require lap-shoulder belts on new motorcoaches, citing increased safety for children who ride in the vehicles on activity trips. The association also supports a federal requirement for lap-shoulder belts in the driver seat of new large school buses.
LaHood unveils 2009 distracted driving fatality, injury numbers
September 20, 2010
The proportion of fatalities associated with driver distraction increased from 10 percent to 16 percent between 2005 and 2009, NHTSA reports. The under-20 age group had the greatest proportion of distracted drivers.
Transportation secretary calls for kids to go green, yellow
September 9, 2010
U.S. DOT chief Ray LaHood issues a message urging parents and students to be safety conscious and consider greener alternatives for getting to and from school, such as riding the school bus, walking or biking.
New guide targets bus stop safety
August 19, 2010
Free resource from NHTSA provides steps for designating school bus stops and supporting safe pedestrian behavior by students between their homes and bus stops. Included are examples of state and district guidelines.
NTSB issues new bus safety recommendations
July 13, 2010
Some of the recommendations to NHTSA could affect school buses, such as a proposal that all buses above 10,000 pounds be required to have on-board recording systems.
NTSB: Distracted driving led to fatal Arizona bus crash
June 22, 2010
NTSB's investigation results in recommendations to NHTSA regarding bus safety. School buses would be exempt from recommended rulemaking on occupant protection, roof strength and window glazing.
Feds to promote school bus use
June 17, 2010
The news comes in response to the pupil transportation industry’s campaign for a federally-funded program touting the benefits of school buses. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood tells members of Congress that NHTSA will begin creating educational materials next year.
Georgia becomes 28th state to ban texting while driving
June 14, 2010
The anti-texting-while-driving law also forbids cell phone use for young drivers with a provisional license.
Vermont becomes 27th state to ban texting while driving
June 3, 2010
The new law, effective June 1, prohibits drivers of all ages from texting. It imposes a $100 penalty for the first violation and a $250 penalty for repeat violations that occur within a two-year period.
Obama calls for increased fuel efficiency for buses, trucks
June 1, 2010
Under a new presidential memorandum, stricter fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty buses and trucks will go into effect for model year 2014.
Traffic fatalities hit record low in ’09
March 12, 2010
According to early projections from the U.S. DOT, last year's fatality rate, which takes into account the number of miles traveled, reached the lowest level ever recorded. Still, officials say more must be done to reduce distracted and impaired driving.
School bus passenger protection off ‘Most Wanted’ list
February 19, 2010
NTSB removes the issue from its recommended transportation safety improvements, citing NHTSA’s final rule that increased school bus seat-back height and established specs for voluntarily installed seat belts.
NAPT News & Views
January 15, 2010

NHTSA is an agency of the Department of Transportation charged with promoting motor vehicle and highway safety. NTSB is an independent federal agency established to investigate transportation-related accidents.

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