NATIONAL COALITION OF SCHOOL BUS SAFETY NEWS 2007

Bill Puts Age Limit on School Buses
March 6, 2007

Prompted by the crash of a Pennsbury school bus that seriously injured a local girl, state Rep. John T. Galloway said he will introduce the School Bus Service Lifetime Safety Bill this month.

The bill would require PennDOT to adopt a maximum service lifetime of 12 years for all school buses used in the state.

Seventeen students were injured in the Jan. 12 bus accident at Pennsbury High School. Ashley Zauflik, the most seriously injured, suffered a crushed pelvis and needed her leg amputated.

The bus involved was built in 1994. Investigators haven't determined what if any role the vehicle's age played in the accident.

Galloway, D-140, said he's not going to wait until the investigation is over to take steps to possibly prevent another tragedy. The former Pennsbury school board member said Pennsylvania, like other states, should have age standards for school buses.

“This bill would help ensure that outdated buses, or those with a higher likelihood of having malfunctioning equipment, would never serve as a factor in an injury of a student again,” Galloway said from Harrisburg on Monday. “You can't put a price on the safety of our children.”

Galloway said he expects the proposed bill to be reviewed by the house transportation or education committee in March.

Galloway represents Bristol, Morrisville, Tullytown and Falls; two districts in Bristol Township; and one district in Middletown.

By JOAN HELLYER

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