Maine was one of 44 states that received a letter with safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following the NTSB June 18, 2019 report, School Bus Run-Off-Road and Fire, Oakland, Iowa December 12, 2017. The NTSB does not make regulations, but does issue recommendations to organizations. Recommendations regarding driver physicals, physical performance tests, and safety belts on large capacity buses were included in NTSB reports and recommendations.
The Department has engaged in collaboration and conversation with multiple state agencies to discuss possible responsive actions. Further outreach is planned with Maine Association for Pupil Transportation and Maine school administrative unit staff, including a webinar, which is planned for local school bus drivers, transportation directors, business managers, and superintendents on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. An email invitation with webinar details will be sent to Maine superintendents and transportation directors.
The details of the NTSB report, accident investigation, and the resulting safety recommendations can be found here: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/accidentreports/pages/har1901.aspx .
We are committed to partnering with schools and other state agencies to continuously improve and ensure the safety and well-being of all Maine students. Media inquiries may be addressed to Kelli Deveaux by email at Kelli.Deveaux@maine.gov. Transportation inquires may be addressed to Pat Hinckley by email at Pat.Hinckley@maine.gov .