Physical and cognitive capabilities of children during operation and evacuation of a school bus emergency roof hatch. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abulhassan, Yousif; Davis, Jerry; Sesek, Richard; Callender, Aimee; Schall, Mark; Gallagher, Sean
• Is Part Of: Safety science. Volume 110(2018)Part A
• Page Start: 265
• Page End: 272
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Accidents -- Human error -- Physical ergonomics -- Cognition -- Roll-over -- Tools -- Children -- Surface transportation; Industrial accidents -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Safety -- Periodicals; Travail -- Accidents -- Périodiques; 363.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2018.08.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0925-7535

Abstract

Highlights: Strength capabilities of children are not reflected in the design of roof hatches. Young children may not have the capabilities to operate school bus roof hatches. Insufficient upper body strength and/or low friction may impact roof hatch egress. Majority of children only understand instruction when read to them. Abstract: While many school bus routes exclusively transport kindergarten, first, and second grade (K-2) children, school bus emergency exits are designed based on the physical capabilities of an average adult male. This makes the usability of emergency exits less than optimal for K-2 children. The objective of this study was to determine if children in (K-2) are capable of opening and evacuating from a school bus roof hatch in an emergency rollover scenario. Maximum push force exertions of 91 K-2 students were measured during operation of a typical school bus emergency roof hatch (designed to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard [FMVSS] No. 217 specifications). Ability to read and comprehend emergency-related words and roof hatch operating instructions was also evaluated for 58 students. Forty-two percent (42%) of kindergarten students were unable to exert the maximum permissible design force (89 N) necessary to operate the roof hatch. Only 20% of the participants in kindergarten were able to open the roof hatch. In a controlled environment, the majority of students (96%) were willing and able to self-extricate through the opening. However, only 33% of students had the cognitive skills necessary to understand how to open the roof hatch. Eighty-nine percent (89%) of participants who completed both the physical and cognitive aspects of the study were unable to successfully operate the school bus roof hatch.