THOMAS SCHOOL BUS 1978: STRUCTURE:BODY

General Information

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 96V080000

Make Model Year
THOMAS SCHOOL BUS 1978
Date Owners Notified Date Received by ODI Date Added to Database
1996-09-16 1996-05-06 1996-05-09

Production Dates: 1977-04-01 - 1996-03-01

Manufacturers Involved: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

Component: STRUCTURE:BODY

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 13545

Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report

Summary

THE DOOR HINGES WERE NOT SHIELDED AND CAN SNAG EXITING CHILDREN'S CLOTHING OR ACCESSORIES.

Consequence

WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL HINGE PADS TO PREVENT THE SNAGGING OF PASSENGER'S CLOTHING.

Notes

SYSTEM: EQUIPMENT; HANDRAILS AT BUS ENTRYWAYS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH JACK-KNIFE SERVICE DOORS AND NOT EQUIPPED WITH HINGE PROTECTOR PAD. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.