By Staff
One of the hot-button topics today is seat belts on buses.
Buses built today are one of the safest forms of school transportation.
The reason for this is that they have heavier steel bodies and their floor height is higher than the average car.
The seats are designed in a straight back form with heavy padding and they are designed to absorb the shock of collision.
This term is referred to as compartmentalization.
The areas between the seats are limited so students are contained within that area.
It has been found that on smaller students, lap belts can cause more harm than good.
During an impact a child's head and neck may be whipped forward if they are restrained by a lap belt.
The only way around this would be if a lap and shoulder belt was installed in the seats.
This brings up another issue about the number of students placed in seats.
To understand bus seating, you need to envision an area 39 inches across and divide it by three. That is the amount of space allotted for each student.
In that area the student is given 13 inches to sit.
Any items that are carried on the bus by a student are to be kept in the area with the student, either on their lap or between their legs.
This directive comes from the State Police Department. This limits the number of loose items on the school bus.
Loose items include backpacks, books and band instruments. These items are not to be laid on the seat or left loose on the seat next to the student.
This may require some careful planning on the parent's part. Busing today requires optimum seating. This is for everyone's safety. Please remember, in this case less is better.