The problem
Certain clothing articles such as draw strings can become lodged in the forward handrails at the bus doors when a person is exiting the bus.
The risk
If the driver is unaware of the situation, the entrance door may be closed, capturing the item in the door. Death or injury can occur to the person exiting the bus.
The fix
Dealers will remove this handrail. Provisions will be made for buses operating in states that mandate a forward mounted handrail to offer the owners a free repair kit containing a rubber spacer.
Contacts
Owner notification: owner notification is expected to begin february 28, 1997. Notes: owners who need the free repair kit and are unable to obtain the kit within a reasonable time should contact amtran at 1-501-327-7761. 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 Amtran, Ward dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 97V014000.
- 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.