VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD AND GENERAL MOTORS CHASSIS. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." THE REAR DOOR MUST PROVIDE AN OPENING LARGE ENOUGH TO PERMIT UNOBSTRUCTED PASSAGE OF A RECTANGULAR PARRELEPIPED.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE REAR EMERGENCY DOOR IS NARROW, WHICH COULD MAKE EVACUATION OF THE VEHICLE MORE DIFFICULT.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BACKS ON THE REAR SEATS WITH STRAIGHTER AND THINNER SEAT BACKS, ALLOWING FOR FULL ACCESS TO THE REAR EMERGENCY DOOR.
OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JANUARY 11, 1999. 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 CORBEIL AT 1-450-439-6852.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).