AUGUSTA - Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, presented legislation Thursday to improve student safety on school buses by requiring antipinch sensors on bus doors.
LD 62 would require all school buses in Maine to be equipped with technology that would prevent a school bus door from closing before a person has fully entered or exited the bus. In 2022, students in Auburn and Buxton were caught by their school bus doors and subsequently dragged down the road.
"By introducing this bill, my number one goal is to protect our children as they travel to and from school," said Golek. "As a mother, I know firsthand the fear felt by parents that witness their child in an accident. Years ago, my son was caught on the front bumper of his school bus before being dragged down the road and run over. I am so fortunate he is still alive today after that horrific incident. This legislation will ensure that children are protected from avoidable accidents and give Maine parents peace of mind."
The Legislature's Transportation Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Golek, a member of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and the Joint Select Committee on Housing, is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents Harpswell and part of Brunswick.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Golek], c. 305-965-2744