Passenger protection systems in the transportation of students in Costa Rica

Carlos Roberto Güémez Shedden
Mechanical engineer. Investigator. Area of ​​Research and Statistics COSEVI (745-1150. La Uruca, Costa Rica)

ABSTRACT:

In this research the characteristics of student transportation vehicles used in Costa Rica, as well as some vehicle modifications made to increase capacity or would have to do to install child restraints were studied. It was determined that most of the vehicles are unsafe due to the lack of safety systems such as ABS brakes, emergency exits and magazines, and because some have seat belts not suitable to the net vehicle weight. In addition there are certain changes that are made to increase capacity, such as removing magazines, but that degrade the safety of passengers. All these problems can be corrected by modifying some regulations. Finally it stressed that policies that focus on improving safety in the transportation of students should also consider the human factor and the environment.

KEYWORDS:

Road safety, Bus, Buseta, Minibus, vehicle safety, Student Transportation Regulations.