How fast does a school bus go

W hat led to the 50 mph speed limit for school buses and what would be the ramifications of increasing it? State law generally limits school buses to a maximum speed of 50 mph on divided, limited access roads highways and to 40 mph on other roads. Before the legislature adopted the law in , school buses were limited by regulation to 40 mph on all state highways. Proponents of increasing the maximum 50 mph speed limit on limited access highways say it would allow school buses to keep up with the faster flow of traffic, thus reducing the possibility of accidents if, for example, following vehicles suddenly and unexpectedly slow down or change lanes.

The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services NASDPTS opposes higher school bus speed limits, saying that 1 the lower school bus speed limit does not increase the risk of a crash and 2 injuries in vehicle crashes become more severe at higher speeds.

The legislature enacted the law PA in , increasing by 10 mph on divided, limited access highways the school bus speed limit set by regulation. A few committee members spoke in support of the bill Tuesday, but they appeared to be outnumbered by opponents on both sides of the aisle. Mike Stone, R-Lee. I just care they get home safely. I kind of like it the way it is. Rodney Moore, D-Mecklenburg, said the primary concern should be the safety of the students.

Becky Carney, D-Mecklenburg, said she'd heard from a lot of parents who don't want the speed limit to be raised, adding that school buses in North Carolina still have no safety belts. Charles Graham, D-Robeson, said the narrow rural roads in his country would be unsafe for a bus traveling 55 mph.

Charles Jeter, R-Mecklenburg, a co-sponsor of the bill, said he believes the "highly trained, highly regulated" drivers of school buses in North Carolina can be trusted not to exceed a safe speed for the road. We choose to believe in the goodness," he argued. But others pointed out that bus drivers are often school employees who hold other jobs, are poorly paid and often only minimally trained.

Bill Brisson, D-Bladen, said drivers often are under pressure to get their routes finished on time. The committee ran out of time before a vote could be taken on the measure. It could be back on the agenda next Tuesday. Published: Updated: Tags: transportation. Bio Jobs: Find a job that changes lives, even yours.

Close Comments. View all.