NHTSA Recall 96V012000
Filed by Blue Bird Body Company. Component: Structure. Reported 1996-01-23. An estimated 327 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
THESE BUSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN ENTRANCE DOOR HANDRAIL OFF SET BRACE ATTACHED TO THE INTERIOR WALL AND THE HANDRAIL. THE ATTACHMENT POINT AT THE WALL IS INCORRECTLY POSITIONED PERMITTING THE ENTRAPMENT OF THE "CONNECTICUT NUT/STRING TEST DEVICE" BETWEEN THE UPPER EDGE OF THE BRACE AND THE LOWER EDGE OF THE SEAT LEDGE. PASSENGER'S CLOTHING COULD UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAILS AT THE BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.
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.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE THE BRACKET AS NECESSARY. OWNERS CAN INSPECT AND RELOCATE THE BRACKET IS SO DESIRED.
Notes
SYSTEM: EQUIPMENT; OTHER PIECES. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FORWARD ENGINE SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH OUTWARD OPENING DOORS. NOTE: OWNERS 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.