Only two school districts in the entire country require mandatory school bus seat belts. Bus manufacturers favor "compartmentalization"--a set spacing of high-backed padded seats. Two well-documented school bus accidents, where seat belts were not used, are examined. (MLF)

Existing school bus safety standards make the whole vehicle safe and are more effective than seat belts in preventing passenger injuries. (MLF)

The deterrent to school bus accidents is preparedness. Training programs for drivers and mechanics, equipment specifications, and a community support base are some of the ways to prevent tragedy. (MLF)

The Alaska State Board of Education has adopted the national "Minimum Standards for School Buses, 1970 Revised Edition." The purpose of this document is to specify school bus minimum standards for Alaska that are in addition to the national standards. All regular school buses must comply with applicable federal motor vehicle safety…

A 1988 school bus disaster in Kentucky killed 27 passengers. A new book, "Reckless Disregard: Corporate Greed, Government Indifference, and the Kentucky School Bus Crash," by James S. Kunen, recounts the accident and the long court struggle to prove why the children died. Cites federal standards for bus safety that have been upgraded several times…

Studies on seat belt usage conducted under contract with governmental organizations or prepared by professional societies, state and local organizations, and transportation specialists have made significant contributions, but none has successfully resolved the issue. (MLF)

A group is actively supporting legislation to require seat belts on only newly manufactured school buses. However, misinformation is being circulated to oppose the installation of seat belts in school buses. If the industry continues to block the installation of seat belts, punitive legislation may be passed. (MLF)

This study reviews some examples of injuries received in two school bus accidents; explains how the design of joints and fastenings in the buses was involved in the injuries and in the structural strength of schoolbuses; and compares schoolbus construction with construction of other types of buses that employ more efficient and complete…

This study has been undertaken to assess the magnitude of the school bus safety problem and to develop a plan to improve pupil transportation safety. The resulting report provides estimates of school bus population and daily usage, gives an account of injuries and fatalities that occur annually, and compares the safety records of school buses to…

This booklet contains the revised minimum standards put into effect and enforced beginning with new school bus models that appeared after January 1, 1972. These standards apply to (1) conventional type body-on-chasis vehicles having a seating capacity of 24 or more pupils; (2) conventional type body-on-chasis vehicles that are less than 96 inches…

This working guide for the school bus supervisor shows how to increase the safety and efficiency of school transportation. Guidelines are provided to help prevent accidents involving school buses and to establish sound operating policies for school transportation fleets. The booklet points out how any school transportation system can provide its…