Preventing accidents, One handrail at a time.
The Evolution of School Bus Handrail Design for Enhanced Student Safety
The design of school bus handrails has undergone significant changes over the years, driven by a primary focus on student safety. The impetus for these changes stemmed from several incidents involving students’ clothing drawstrings getting caught in the corner of the handrail as they exited the bus. Early bus models featured handrails with a triangular configuration at the mounting points, creating a potential hazard for student clothing.
A major concern was the risk of clothing drawstrings becoming entangled in the handrails, doors, or other parts of the bus. The driver, unaware of the incident, would close the door and begin to pull away from the stop, potentially dragging the student under the bus. This could lead to serious accidents or injuries, including entanglement, dragging, and falls.
This risk was particularly acute on “flat face pusher” type school buses, where the front wheels are positioned directly behind the front door step. In such cases, the driver would have minimal time to react if a student fell near the front door.
To ensure student safety during bus exits, a crucial step is to verify that all students have reached a point of safety before the driver releases the brake and shifts into gear.
During annual school bus inspections, state troopers would use a small nut attached to a string to test for potential snagging hazards in the handrails. If the nut became caught, the vehicle would be deemed unsafe and required to undergo corrective measures.
The evolution of school bus handrail design reflects a continuous commitment to safeguarding students. By eliminating potential snagging hazards and implementing rigorous inspection procedures, schools and transportation authorities have taken proactive steps to minimize risks and enhance student safety.
