Compartmentalization plus

We need to be clear that the debate is not compartmentalization vs. lap-shoulder belts. These three-point restraint systems can work together with compartmentalization to enhance its effectiveness.

Nebraska state pupil transportation director Russ Inbody passes

Inbody, who worked for the Nebraska Department of Education for 37 years, died last month after a long illness. Nebraska Council of School Administrators officials call Inbody "an invaluable resource and support for school districts in his work in school finance, transportation services and negotiating the ever-complicated [school finance] formula."

New NASDPTS paper details support for lap-shoulder belts

The new position paper elaborates on the state directors association’s recently updated stance on lap-shoulder belts — fully supporting their installation and use in school buses. NASDPTS lays out 10 supporting points for its position, including the limits of compartmentalization and the ability of current lap-shoulder belt systems to maintain bus capacity.

NASDPTS bolsters support for lap-shoulder belts

The state directors association had previously expressed its support for lap-shoulder belts if funding is made available. At the annual NASDPTS conference, the board strengthens its position by dropping the funding clause. Safety topics were the focus of many conference sessions.

NASDPTS Executive Director Bob Riley to retire

Riley, a former state and district director, has held the executive role for the state pupil transportation directors association since 2006. NASDPTS is now searching for a replacement for Riley, who is expected to retire in June of next year.

State directors to develop training guidelines for seat belts

In response to NTSB recommendations, NASDPTS says it will develop guidelines to assist schools in training bus drivers, students and parents on “the importance and proper use” of various types of school bus seat belts. The state directors association says it will also develop educational materials on “lap and shoulder belts providing the highest level of protection for school bus passengers” — another NTSB recommendation.

2013 NASDPTS and NAPT Conferences

NASDPTS bolsters support for lap-shoulder belts

The state directors association had previously expressed its support for lap-shoulder belts if funding is made available. Now, the NASDPTS board strengthens its position by dropping the funding clause. However, the association is not calling for a requirement. “We believe this should be a local decision based on local need,” NASDPTS President Max Christensen says.

Obama signs sleep apnea bill

The bipartisan bill requires the FMCSA to go through a formal notice and comment rulemaking proceeding when issuing guidance on the screening, testing and treatment of commercial drivers for obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. The National School Transportation Association and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services were among the groups advocating for the legislation.