NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
06093
June 10, 2009
EMPHASIS: Patrol Releases Results For 2009 School Bus Inspection Program

Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to provide the public with information regarding the 2009 school bus inspection program. In accordance with Missouri statutes, The Patrol implements an annual, statewide school bus inspection program through its Motor Vehicle Inspection Division.

During spring 2009, employees of the Patrol spent over 12,000 hours inspecting 12,333 school buses across Missouri. The results of the school bus inspection program are as follows:

Approved 88.5%
Rejected 9.3%
Out Of Service 2.2%

These results are based solely upon initial inspections conducted by inspection teams of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Any school bus found to have a defective item that does not create an immediate danger to passengers is rejected; however, the school bus may still be used to transport students. This defective item must be repaired within 10 business days and re-inspected by the Patrol inspection team. Any school bus found to have a defective item which creates an immediate danger to passengers is placed out of service. The school bus may not be used to transport passengers until the proper repairs are made and it has been re-inspected by the Patrol inspection team.

School district fleets that obtain an approval rating of 90% or higher earn the distinction of “Total Fleet Excellence”. In 2009, a total of 288 fleets achieved Total Fleet Excellence. Over 7,300 school buses will begin the 2009-2010 school year with the Total Fleet Excellence sticker affixed to signify the district's achievement in fleet safety.

For more information regarding the school bus inspection program of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, please contact the Motor Vehicle Inspection Division at (573) 526-6132.

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