After a devastating bus crash in Chattanooga that lead to the wrongful death of six children and many more injuries, Durham School Services, the transportation company who owns the bus in question, has announced a multi-million dollar safety enhancement package to help prevent these kinds of accidents from occurring in the future.
Durham became the target of public outcry after 30 pages of complaints and correspondence were released regarding the driver of the Chattanooga bus, Johnthony Walker.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), speed was a factor in the crash, which happened when Walker hit a mailbox and utility pole and rolled the bus onto its side before finally colliding with a tree.
HOW IS DURHAM SCHOOL SERVICES UPGRADING SAFETY?
Durham’s safety upgrades come in three forms. First, it has created a nationwide, cloud-based complaint management system. Second, it has appointed a chief safety and data compliance officer. Last, it will be implementing smart cameras on all buses that activate when they sense unsafe driving. Within two years, Durham intends to have these changes implemented nationwide.
The safety and data compliance officer will be responsible for continuous review of all data to identify problems proactively.
The complaint management system will connect every school that uses Durham School Services, allowing teachers and administrators to collectively report problems with buses and drivers. It is already online in Chattanooga.
Additional safety measures include extensive behind-the-wheel training, frequent safety meetings and training after every reported incident, no matter how minor.
Isaiah 40:11, “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”