Structure: body
- Component
- Structure: body
- Manufacturer
- AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP.
- Vehicles affected
- 91
- Reported to NHTSA
- 1999-07-20
- Owners notified
- 1999-08-12
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUS. SOME FORWARD HANDRAILS WITH OUTWARD OPENING ENTRANCE DOORS WERE BUILT WITH THE HAND RAIL MOUNTING TOO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE COVER. 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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO IDENTIFY THE DEFECT AND REPAIR PROCEDURES. IF THE OWNER PREFERS, AN AMTRAN DEALER CAN PERFORM THE REMEDY FOR THEM.