VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." A THIRD ROOF HATCH MUST BE ADDED TO MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS. ONLY VEHICLES LOCATED IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON ARE INVOLVED.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE BUS OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE BUS QUICKLY.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THIRD ROOF HATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871.
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).