April 8th, 2024-COLUMBUS, Ohio-Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s task force, established after a fatal school bus crash, has recommended safety upgrades for school buses but stopped short of mandating seat belts. The group’s final report suggests measures including driver training, recruitment, and retention, alongside safety features like collision avoidance systems. Individual school districts would decide on implementing seat belts.
DeWine is considering establishing a grant fund to aid districts in affording safety enhancements. The report also addresses private bus services and proposes improved training and support for drivers, as well as enhanced penalties for traffic violations in school zones. The cost-effective approach prioritizes safety features over seat belts, considering their comparative costs and effectiveness.
