In Wake of Bus Crashes, NJ Lawmaker Targets School Bus Safety

There have been eight reported school bus crashes in New Jersey since mid-February.  The most severe accident injured 17 children and killed an 11-year-old girl in Chesterfield.  Now, State Senator Donald Norcross is drafting legislation that requires every school bus in New Jersey to be fitted with strobe lights in order to make the vehicles more visible.

"This is another step to increase school bus visibility," said Norcross.  "Given recent events, it's clear that we need to include more measures to ensure the safety of the children on board."

The strobe lights would either be fitted inside the existing red lights on the front and back of the buses or they would be placed on top of the bus.  The flashing strobe lights would be blinking continuously whenever the bus is moving.

"School buses are historically safe vehicles, but there is always room for improvement," said Norcross.  "Any measure taken to reduce the possibility of an accident should be considered."