The problem
Passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the forward 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
Owners will be directed to remove all forward handrails. Provisions will be made for those owners operating in states which mandate a forward handrail that a replacement handrail will be provided.
Contacts
System: equipment; handrails at bus entryways. Vehicle description: school buses equipped with forward handrails. Note: owner 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 blue bird at 1-912-825-2021. 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 Blue Bird dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 96V073000.
- 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.