1. Home
  2. TRID
  3. View Record
https://www.trb.org/AnnualMeeting/Registration.aspx

SCHOOL BUS SEAT BELTS: PROTECTION OR PERIL?

Safety experts who advocate seat-belt use in automobiles, feel restraints in school buses could do more harm to children than good. The resulting controversy, which as pitted parents and other groups against national safety administrators, bus owners and drivers and school fleet administrators, is discussed in this article and some of their arguments are examined. Seat belts on school buses have not been endorsed by government safety agencies who quote research results which indicate that more severe injury could come from seat belt use in a crash. In 1974 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that a passive system of occupant containment by the seating system or a restraining barrier offers the most reliable crash protection in a school bus situation. Federal school bus safety regulations are discussed including those of NHTSA and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 222. Tests both in the H.S. and Canada by Transport Canada are discussed. It is noted that NHTSA prefers leaving the issue open to local school districts. At the latter level, the issue is complicated by factors other than safety -- the cost of installing seat belts on school buses. The retrofitting of older school buses is discussed and caution is urged. It is noted that despite the negative support, many districts throughout the nation have installed seat belts in school buses due to urging by parent groups. by parent groups.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Motor Club of America

    484 Central Avenue
    Newark, NJ  United States  07107
  • Publication Date: 1985-11

Media Info

  • Features: Photos;
  • Pagination: 2 p.
  • Serial:
    • Motor Club News
    • Volume: 41
    • Issue Number: 3
    • Publisher: Motor Club of America

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00451986
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Aug 27 2004 9:58PM