Seat belts are safety systems that are designed to safeguard the driver or the passenger during a crash or sudden stop.
Seat belts prevent nearly half of accidents caused by major crashes. Nearly 15,000 deaths could have been avoided in 2017 with seat belts. Even though airbags provide additional protection, seat belts still remain the best form of safety.
Our discussion today is on seat belts, their pros, cons, and the laws in the US and Australia dealing with them.
Seat belts are provided on school buses?
The answer is no! School buses aren’t equipped with seat belts. Nevertheless, there are some exceptions: for example states within the United States.
Large school buses are much heavier than small vehicles and light trucks, therefore, collision forces are distributed more evenly. The crash forces experienced by passengers of buses, light trucks, and freight vehicles differ greatly because of these distinctions. The result is that most buses lack seatbelts.
As of July 2013, the NSW Government (Australia) announced that seatbelts would be mandatory for school buses in rural and regional areas within 10 years, and standing would be phased out. That’s all we have for now.
Pros and Cons of Seat Belts on School Buses
- It improves school bus conduct.
- Ensures the safety of children
- Ensures that youngsters remain in position during an impact.
Cons of Seat Belts on School Buses
- School buses have a great track record when it comes to safety. As a result, one is solely perceived as a cost.
- Drivers cannot be expected to enforce correct seat belt usage.
- If there is a fight amongst pupils, seat belts can be used as a weapon.
- In the event of a fire or an earthquake, seat belts may be a barrier.
What does the law say about this?
USA
Seat belts are required for school bus riders in eight states as of 2019 in the USA. According to the National Conference of State Legislation, seat belts are currently required by law in eight states: Florida, California, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Jersey, Nevada, Texas, and New York.
Australia
Seat belts in school buses are currently not required in Australia. The administration, on the other hand, announced its desire to make it mandatory a few years ago. In addition, $29 million was set out in the 2017-18 budget for the installation of seat belts in school buses.
