The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a recommendation for all new school buses in the United States to be equipped with Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS) in their engine compartments.
This guidance, directed at school bus manufacturers and state governors, comes in response to the increasing number of school bus fires across the country.
The NTSB emphasizes the importance of this measure to enhance the safety of children traveling to and from school.
The urgency of this recommendation is underscored by the recent actions of Hawaii and Georgia, which have mandated AFSS for special needs buses.
However, most states have yet to implement similar requirements.
The NTSB’s recommendation is viewed as a critical step in advancing the protection of all students from potential fire hazards on school buses.
In a related development, one of the largest school bus manufacturers in the country has announced that it will start installing seatbelts as a standard feature on all new buses.
While seatbelts are recognized as an essential safety feature, they also present challenges during emergencies, particularly in cases involving fire or smoke.
The NTSB’s recommendation for AFSS is seen as a complementary measure to ensure that students can evacuate quickly and safely, even when seatbelts are in use.
The inclusion of AFSS in school buses is expected to address concerns about evacuation times during fire incidents.
The system is designed to control and suppress fires in the engine compartment, reducing the risk of fire spreading and allowing more time for safe evacuation.
Historically, states and school districts have cited various reasons for not adopting AFSS, including cost concerns and a lack of perceived need.
However, the NTSB’s latest recommendation, backed by the proven effectiveness of these systems, suggests that the time for inaction has passed.
The NTSB’s position is clear: ensuring the safety of children on school buses should be a top priority, and the installation of AFSS is a necessary step.
FireGator, a provider of fire suppression technology, has been a vocal advocate for the widespread adoption of AFSS in school buses.
The company argues that there are no longer valid reasons for school districts to delay implementing these life-saving systems.
The NTSB’s recommendation is a call to action for parents, educators, and concerned citizens.
Advocates are encouraged to reach out to state governors, school board members, and district superintendents to demand the installation of AFSS in all school buses.
The NTSB stresses that children’s safety should not be compromised and urges bipartisan support for this essential safety measure.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that all new school buses in the United States be equipped with Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS) in their engine compartments.
This recommendation addresses the increasing number of school bus fires nationwide.
While some states, like Hawaii and Georgia, have begun requiring AFSS on special needs buses, most have not yet taken action.
The NTSB highlights the importance of this safety measure in protecting children and calls for parents and educators to advocate for its implementation.
