NTSB CONCLUSIONS SEPTEMBER 21, 1999

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
Public Meeting of September 21, 1999
Abstract of Computer Simulations
Highway Special Investigation: Bus Crashworthiness
NTSB/SIR-99/04

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Images and quotations were taken from data released in the above NTSB Report. Prepared from public record.

(3) "Current Compartmentalization is incomplete in that it does not protect school bus passengers"

(5) "It cannot be determined whether the current design of available restraint systems for large school buses would have reduced the risk of (head only) injury... in the accidents simulated..."

NTSB Simulations:

Holmdel, New Jersey - Occupant position mid collision

Shown above Unrestrained Occupants	Shown above - Lap Belt Occupants
Shown above - Lap/shoulder belts
These images were taken directly from NTSB computer simulations that reviewed head injuries without indicating the industry standard, Head Impact Criteria (HIC). It is unknown if these are merely bumps to the heads or more severe and they also did not release thoracic (chest) or neck injury comparison data (the NTSB report stated that neck injuries "were not examined in the unrestrained condition.", only for restrained occupants was that data released). Holmdel, New Jersey - End of the crash
Unrestrained occupants end up outside windows, under seats and in the front wheel well of the school bus.	Lap belted occupants remain  in their seats.
Lap/Shoulder occupants remain upright or in their seats.

The NTSB simulation of the Holmdel, New Jersey accident revealed that the unrestrained occupants were tossed into the aisles, under seats and into the windows and wall of the school bus. Yet the belted occupants remained within the seating compartment, where the NTSB stated (as their number ONE conclusion), were less likely to be seriously injured:

NTSB Conclusion:

"1. In the accidents analyzed for this special investigation, school bus passengers who remained within the seating compartment but not within the intrusion area during the accident sequence were less likely to have been seriously injured than passengers who were out of the compartment before the collision or who were propelled from the compartment during the collision."

The NTSB revealed that compartmentalization is "incomplete" and "does not protect school bus passengers" in lateral impacts and rollovers. Finally after 30 years of debate, we can rejoice that the NTSB has concluded that compartmentalization does not protect our nations' children. Now we must see that seat belts are used to keep children in their compartment (which the number one NTSB conclusion stated), where passengers are less likely to be seriously injured.

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