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12‑year‑old who survived bus‑stop crash urges same‑side loading; transport industry warns of costs and routing impacts
Summary
At a packed Transportation Committee hearing supporters for HB1209 — called "Addison's bill" — described preventable injuries when students must cross traffic to board buses. Parents and safety advocates urged same‑side loading; bus operators and driver representatives said the mandate would add time, miles, and backing maneuvers and could worsen safety and costs.
Supporters of HB1209 told the House Transportation Committee the bill would reduce the risk that children are struck while boarding or leaving school buses by directing school districts and bus operators to make routes and stops so students need not cross lanes of traffic.
Representative Newell introduced the measure on behalf of prime sponsor Rep. Jacobs. The bill, informally called “Addison’s bill,” would require, to the extent practicable, same‑side loading so students do not have to cross traffic lanes.
The most powerful testimony came from 12‑year‑old Addison Henderson, who said she was struck by a driver while boarding a bus on Feb. 2,…
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