Why don't schoolbuses have seatbelts?

Answer 1

Bus Construction
In an accident involving a school bus, most fatalities and injuries occur outside of the bus. The construction of a typical school bus creates a safer passenger environment than that of a car or lighter vehicle. The impact of a crash is weaker because buses are heavier. This force is distributed differently along a bus. Buses have a body-on-frame design. This greatly differs from lighter vehicles, and provides impact protection not found elsewhere.

A bus' interior also differs from a car. The use of closely spaced seats that have padded backs -- a design called compartmentalization -- creates an enclosed environment for passengers in the absence of seat belts.

Studies of Safety
Numerous studies examining the effectiveness of different belt types and seating arrangements came to the same conclusion: seatbelts on a bus have more drawbacks than advantages.

Neither lap nor lap-and-shoulder belts on a bus provide the same type of protection offered in a car. During a head-on collision, the most common type for belts, lap belts, increase the risk of injury. On impact, this type of restraint allows a passenger's head to jerk forward, risking severe head and neck injury. Lap and shoulder belts would require the installation of stiffer seats. These seats could become a source of impact injury. Studies also showed that children slip downwards when restrained by lap and shoulder belts, risking injury to vulnerable internal organs.

In 1999, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) examined the effect of seat belt installation in buses. They came to the conclusion that seat belts actually would result in head injuries and fatalities. In fact, the NTSB found a relationship between most injuries/deaths and the seating position of the passenger. In these cases, the presence of seat belts would change nothing.

While there is no evidence proving that seat belts on buses save lives, there is reason to worry they may cause harm. During an emergency, seat belts could hinder young children from quickly exiting the bus; they simply could not free themselves. Drivers would be hard pressed to monitor belt usage for every student. And the heavy buckles could be used as weapons.

Studies by federal agencies, including the NTSB, have shown bus construction provides greater safety than seat belts ever could. Comparing the design of a school bus to a car is like comparing apples to oranges. Where belts protect passengers during car collisions, their presence may cause severe injuries on a bus. Seatbelts are only required on small buses weighing less than 10,000 pounds because their design more closely resembles a car. It is ironic, but the reality is that seat belts have no place on a school bus.

Answer 2

Ironically its because of safety. If there happens to be an accident and a fire breaks out the driver will have to unbuckle any kids that can't unbuckle themselves. It is easier to grab kids that are hurt and get them out of the bus rather than have the burden of the seat belt. I understand the argument on both sides and I think a safety bar like they have on roller coasters to protect them would work. The driver could push a button and release all at once in the event of an emergency.

Answer 3

I'm not sure, but I would think that it has something to do with safety issues concerning the ability of the bus driver, and maybe a bus aide, to get all the children off the bus safely in case of fire or other emergency if they were all strapped in and perhaps unable to release themselves.

Answer 4

I was always told it was because it would be too difficult for the bus driver to get all the kids out in case of an emergency if they were all strapped in. Probably wouldn't be an issue with high school students, but children as young as five ride school buses and they just couldn't get themselves out.

Answer 5

can you imagine how hard it would be if you were upside down in a bus stuck to the seat because you had a seat belt on. the bus is on fire and you can't get the lock to work....

now imagine a 7 year old trying to do the same thing......

Answer 6

some do. but kids dont want to wear them and forcing the kids too wont do any good bc they wouold just take off

Answer 7

They do in my state.

Answer 8

Ive always been told, "its a money thing". Cost too much

Answer 9

Why this question AGAIN!?! ;-)=