Since I'm a school bus driver, thought I'd put my two-cents worth in. Here in Indiana officials are considering putting in seat belts. They are looking at past accidents and trying to learn and see what is best.
For the most part, buses are really safe. Most accidents are minor in general. The frame, bumpers and wheel base sits high enough that unless hit by a semi or heavy duty truck, the kids may get josled, but will remain relatively safe...meaning not really life threatening.
If by the horrible chance it is a serious accident, it would be really hard to get all those kids (I have anywhere from 55 to 69, depending on the day) out of individual seat belts, hopefully none jamming from the pressure.
The other day on the news a school bus hit a wet slick spot and crossed the median and broke through the guard rail. The front wheels did not make it through the guardrail. If that bus would have continued through the guard rail, it probably would have ended up on it's side going down the hill. If seat belts were used, it would have been terribly hard to get them all out and lots of injuries just from the belts would have most likely happened, heaven forbid the chance of a fire. If there were no seat belts and it went on it's side probably more serious injuries would occur, but death is still not likely, though possible. More bus deaths occur outside the bus during loading and unloading than at any other time.
Can you tell we just had a safety meeting recently?
I will be satified with whatever they choose to do.
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Janet |