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.

NAPT News & Views — NTSB official, Carrollton film on tap for 2013 Summit

NTSB Vice Chairman Christopher A. Hart will headline the NAPT/NASDPTS joint session. Emmy-nominated writer and historian Daniel Blake Smith will present a screening of the film “Impact: After the Crash,” a reenactment of the catastrophic 1988 bus crash in Carrollton, Ky., that shares inspirational stories of survivors.  

Sleep apnea bill passes House, NASDPTS adds support

The House unanimously passes the bipartisan bill that aims to prevent the FMCSA from issuing guidance on sleep apnea testing for commercial drivers without a formal rulemaking. The state directors association joins NSTA and other groups in advocating for the legislation, which the Senate will now consider.

Grand Rapids conferences to cover crash results, security, KPIs

Christopher Hart, vice chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, will address NAPT and NASDPTS members in a joint session. He is expected to discuss recent crash investigation results and recommendations. Also during the joint session, attendees will watch the film “Impact: After the Crash,” which reenacts the catastrophic 1988 bus crash in Carrollton, Ky., and shares inspirational stories of survivors.

State directors: NTSB findings will be 'roadmap' for enhancing safety

NASDPTS says that the federal agency's investigation of the Chesterfield, N.J., school bus crash pointed out a number of student transportation concerns, including driver fatigue and medications. Also, NASDPTS says that the findings reinforce the association's support of lap-shoulder belts for school buses, as long as funding is made available for them.