Full text of the letter from Emeritus Professor Peter Joubert OAM, to Mrs. Kim Bax (mum of schoolkids), dated 3rd August 2000. Also included, Professor Joubert's professional CV & the page of an official report he attached (follow the links).
"Dear Mrs. Bax,
Standing Children in School buses
Thankyou for your letter dated 29th June regarding your concern for school children forced to stand in school buses while travelling at speeds up to 100 kph on busy two lane interstate trucking routes where the buses are passing large heavily loaded trucks.
Prior to my retirement in 1989, I had served on the committee which formulated all the Australian Design Rules. I served on this committee from the day it was formed. I was chairman of the sub-committees dealing with trucks and buses as well as occupant protection as shown in the attached CV.
In 1973 I wrote a review on Truck & Bus Design in Relation to Road Safety for the Federal Department of Transport.
When considering standing passengers in buses (p. 100, item 4), I wrote that they represent a special hazard. In collision they are thrown about the bus injuring other passengers as well as themselves. For longitudinal collisions they are hurled down the aisle to the end of the bus and may even block exits. In lateral collisions there are equally severe problems. I have attached a copy of p. 100 from my report.
Under no circumstances should this be allowed and any official, public servant or bus operator who so forces children would, in my opinion, be totally liable for any damages which could be enormous. No insurance company would insure for such potential danger if they were properly informed.
The bus you describe loaded with 103 children and 40 standees together with school bags, no seatbelts, low backed seats with no energy absorption in an impact with another vehicle of equal or greater mass would, in my opinion, give rise to an accident greater than the Grafton disaster. In a roll over that might occur there is great potential for an equally disastrous event. I would forecast a 40% to 50% death rate and over 90% injury rate for the remaining children.
In a roll over that might occur there is great potential for an equally disastrous event. I would forecast a 40% to 50% death rate and over 90% injury rate for the remaining children.
I trust this will be of some help to you in your endeavours.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Peter Joubert.