NASHVILLE – A Tennessee company that operates buses for charter schools in Nashville says it plans to add seatbelts to its entire fleet in response to a fatal bus crash in Chattanooga that left six children dead.
Gray Line Tennessee told The Tennessean that it will add seat belts to half of its 44 buses by next fall, and then to the rest of its fleet by the following school year either through retrofitting or new purchases.
Chuck Abbott, president and CEO of Gray Line Tennessee, said the Nov. 21 Chattanooga crash prompted the company’s decision and reinforced its emphasis on safety.
“We think it’s the right thing to do for our schools,” he said.
Authorities say the Chattanooga bus driver was speeding when he wrecked on a curvy road. Johnthony Walker, 24, is facing charges of vehicular homicide, reckless driving and reckless endangerment.