The problem
Passengers' clothing can unknowingly become caught in the handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.
The risk
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.
The fix
Dealers will install a half-moon shaped part behind the handrail, at the lower end where it attaches to the stepwell of the double leaf door.
Contacts
System: equipment; handrails at bus entryways. Vehicle description: school buses with tubular handrails. Note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service time and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact girardin at 1-819-477-3222, ext. 238. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Girardin dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 95V120000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.