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DOT/NHTSA

RIN: 2127-AK56

Publication ID: Fall 2009

Title: ●Require Installation of Seat Belts on Motorcoaches, FMVSS No. 208
Abstract: This rulemaking would require the installation of lap/shoulder belts in newly-manufactured motorcoaches. Specifically, this rulemaking would establish a new definition for motorcoaches in 49 CFR Part 571.3. It would also amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant crash protection," to require the installation of lap/shoulder belts at all driver and passenger seating positions. It would also require the installation of lap/shoulder belts at driver seating positions of large school buses in FMVSS No. 208. This rulemaking responds, in part, to recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board for improving bus safety.
Agency: Department of Transportation(DOT)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 49 CFR 571.208 49 CFR 571.3
Legal Authority: 49 USC 30111 49 USC 30115 49 USC 30117 49 USC 30166 49 USC 322 49 CFR 1.50

Legal Deadline: None

Statement of Need: Over the ten-year period between 1999 and 2008, there were 54 fatal motorcoach crashes resulting in 186 fatalities. During this period, on average, 16 fatalities have occurred annually to occupants of motorcoaches in crash and rollover events, with about 2 of these fatalities being drivers and 14 being passengers. However, while motorcoach transportation overall is safe, when serious crashes of this vehicle type do occur, they can cause a significant number of fatal or serious injuries during a single event, particularly when occupants are ejected.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Section 30111, Title 49 of the USC, states that the Secretary shall prescribe motor vehicle safety standards.

Alternatives: In addition to the proposed installation of seat belts in all passenger seating positions on motorcoaches, the agency is also pursuing improvements to motorcoach roof strength, fire safety, and emergency egress to improve occupant protection. Our detailed plan for improving motorcoach passenger protection can be found in NHTSA's Approach to Motorcoach Safety 2007 (Docket No. NHTSA-2007-28793).

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: TBD

Risks: The agency believes there are no substantial risks to this rulemaking, and that only beneficial outcomes will occur as the industry moves to reduce injuries of motorcoach occupants.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	03/00/2010

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: No	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
International Impacts: This regulatory action will be likely to have international trade and investment effects, or otherwise be of international interest.
RIN Information URL: www.regulations.gov	Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No
Agency Contact: David Sutula Chief, Vehicle and Roadside Operations Division Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590 Phone:202 366-3273 Fax:202 366-4329 Email: david.sutula@dot.gov