OKLAHOMA CITY – A rollover crash involving the Minco High School softball team occurred Monday night, prompting discussions on Oklahoma's seat belt laws.
No fatalities were reported, according to authorities. The crash involved the team's bus, which does not require seat belts under current state laws.
Legislation introduced this year, HB 1244 by Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan, aimed to mandate seat belts on new school buses in the future. Although the bill did not advance out of committee, it remains eligible for consideration in the next legislative session.
Strom expressed his concerns about safety during travel for extracurricular activities. “Neighborhood busing is safe… But it's when you take buses out on activities on the highway is my concern,” he stated. Opposition to the legislation has cited concerns regarding funding and logistics, with misunderstandings about retroactive application clarified by Strom.
Following the Minco incident, Strom has engaged in discussions with fellow legislators. “It's a tragedy,” he said, offering condolences to affected families.
Retired Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel has long advocated for mandatory seat belts on school buses. “It's about saving lives,” Whetsel emphasized, highlighting frustration over legislative inertia on this matter.
The National Sheriffs Association supports implementing seat belts on school buses nationwide. In a recent op-ed, billionaire and oil tycoon Harold Hamm voiced his endorsement for such measures.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing, and the status of lane closures has not been specified.