School bus crash victim testifies to lawmakers about safety

<p>School bus safety is the focus in Trenton this week following the recent tragedy involving the Paramus School District, and an 11-year-old crash victim garnered much of the attention.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 19, 2018, 9:59 AM

Updated 2,131 days ago

Share:

School bus safety is the focus in Trenton this week following the recent tragedy involving the Paramus School District, and an 11-year-old crash victim garnered much of the attention.
Peter Caminiti is a 5th-grader who survived the I-80 school bus crash in Mt. Olive. 
Peter made sure his voice was heard Monday, testifying before both the Senate and Assembly Transportation Chairmen. 
The May 17th crash killed one of his schoolmates and a teacher. 
Peter was diagnosed with a concussion and hospitalized for three days.
He talked of his experience during and after the crash, before lobbying for 3-point harness seat belts and identification for all school kids, telling legislators the safety concern is obvious.
"When I was in the hospital, I sat thinking that seatbelts on the buses aren't as safe as the ones that are in my mom and dad's cars," says Peter. "Their cars have seatbelts called 3-point harnesses. Buses only have 2-point harnesses. If my mom or dad stop short in their cars, my body only moves a little bit. When the bus stopped short, my upper body hurls forward and hits the seat in front of me. Why would we make the buses that carry kids less safe than the cars that out parents drive us around in?"
Peter says one thing he remembers about the crash is hanging from his seatbelt as first responders rushed into the bus.
The committee will continue discussion and is expected to vote on the legislation calling for lap and shoulder seat belts on school buses.


More from News 12
2:06
Lyndhurst in Bloom flower show is this weekend at Lyndhurst Mansion

Lyndhurst in Bloom flower show is this weekend at Lyndhurst Mansion

2:36
Dry afternoon for Friday throughout the Hudson Valley before evening showers roll in

Dry afternoon for Friday throughout the Hudson Valley before evening showers roll in

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

1:10
State police in the Hudson Valley ramp up patrols to catch impaired drivers on April 20

State police in the Hudson Valley ramp up patrols to catch impaired drivers on April 20

0:54
Protesters march outside Yonkers County Family Court to call for reform in the system

Protesters march outside Yonkers County Family Court to call for reform in the system

0:31
Greenwood Lake mayor, village building inspector suddenly resign

Greenwood Lake mayor, village building inspector suddenly resign

0:38
1 of 2 men charged in Bedford firebombing pleads guilty

1 of 2 men charged in Bedford firebombing pleads guilty

0:24
Holtec International sues NYS over law banning discharge of radiological waste into the Hudson

Holtec International sues NYS over law banning discharge of radiological waste into the Hudson

0:29
Cortlandt community composting program accepting food scraps

Cortlandt community composting program accepting food scraps

0:26
Rifton USPS in Ulster County closed indefinitely due to safety hazard

Rifton USPS in Ulster County closed indefinitely due to safety hazard

0:21
The Orange County Land Trust launches wilderness campaign effort

The Orange County Land Trust launches wilderness campaign effort

0:46
Westchester County’s Environmental Facilities hosted its 5th annual Eco Awards

Westchester County’s Environmental Facilities hosted its 5th annual Eco Awards

0:12
Police: Woman hurt in Yonkers stabbing

Police: Woman hurt in Yonkers stabbing

0:50
Bark Air is launching flights catered to dogs out of Westchester County Airport

Bark Air is launching flights catered to dogs out of Westchester County Airport

1:40
Preliminary report uncovers over 100 potential unmarked burials at historic Rye cemetery

Preliminary report uncovers over 100 potential unmarked burials at historic Rye cemetery

0:40
TEDx Talk at Mamaroneck HS focuses on mental health of adolescents, families, communities

TEDx Talk at Mamaroneck HS focuses on mental health of adolescents, families, communities

0:43
City of Yonkers to run Nepperhan Community Center following financial mismanagement report

City of Yonkers to run Nepperhan Community Center following financial mismanagement report

Is your mom awesome? Hudson Valley tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Hudson Valley tell us why your Mom Rocks!

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

0:56
Retail prevention plan to include harsher penalties, additional patrols

Retail prevention plan to include harsher penalties, additional patrols