My bus is unsafe! What can i do?

I am a school bus driver in PA. My school bus has a tire that is almost completely bald on the inside. I have been ignored by the mechanics all three times i wrote it up. My boss does not care. I am scared it might cause an accident and injure me and/or my kids. I don't know if it matters, but i drive elementary school kids. What can i do? I don't want to wait until i get into an accident for something to be done about this.
Additional Details
I work for a private company. There is no education dept in my company. They are contracted by the school district to handle the schools transport needs.

loco_tech85

Make an anonymous phone call to the Pennsylvania State Police or whatever local jurisdiction you work in. Ask for a Motor Carrier Officer and let them know the problem and arrange for them to "pull you over".

Just make sure that you have prepared your daily inspection report listing the problems, that way the Officer can write the citations to the company and put the bus out-of-service.

You also might want to call your lcoal news station and "anonymously" tip them off too.

tell the mechanic or head mechanic again and if still nothing has been done get in touch with the education department.

EDIT: Private company huh, OK then go over the mechanics head straight to the boss.

short shrimp

You have the ultimate tool... it is called the 'right to refuse'. Contact your state's labour board.

If you are found by the DOT to be operating a vehicle with obvious safety defects, YOU will be held accountable.

If there is an accident, and the faults you have mentioned are found to be a contributing factor, YOU will be held responsible.

As a professional driver, safety is THE most important part of your job. If the company you work for does not comply, report them to the DOT, and start looking for another job. Why would you want to stay with a company that puts the lives of children in jeopardy ? You may think "... but I have bills to pay and need the job..." , but ask yourself how your life would be after a horrendous accident that you could've prevented by refusing to operate under unsafe conditions ?

jtexas

Do you have one of those "investigative TV reporters" in your town? School boards hate bad press.

person

keep trying

UCANTCME

PennDOT Central Office (for general information)

(717) 787-2838

Keystone Building

400 North Street

Harrisburg, PA 17120

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