THE CASE FOR SEAT BELTS ON SCHOOL BUSES

It is noted that at least 150 school districts in the country have installed lap belts in at least some of their large, Type 1 school buses, and that in 1986, New York becme the first state to require the installation of lap belts in new buses. Also, school districts will be required to provide instruction on the proper use of the restraints 3 times a year. The article notes that there is clear evidence that seat belts will hold passengers in seats during stops, turns and evasive maneuvers. Belt use has also been shown to improve the behavior of passengers, thereby diminishing distractions for the driver. Although fully padded seats and improved bus construction has helped safety, thousands of injuries continue to occur every year. Arguments of those opposing seat belts on school buses are discussed. Several cases of school bus accidents with and without seat belts are described. Beyond saving lives and reducing injuries in school bus accidents, another argument for belt use is the carryover of a life-saving habit to the automobile. The importance of education in proper usage of belts is emphasized, and curriculum suggestions are made.