The NHTSA relies on a concept called “compartmentalization” to
ensure the safety of school
bus riders. Closely spaced, high-backed seats with impact absorbing
materials on the fronts and backs prevent children from being thrown far and
hard in the event of a collision. Compartmentalization gives an egg crate-like protection by
providing confined spaces that are constructed to cushion the blow in an
accident.
Critics agree that compartmentalization does nothing for side-impact
crashes, and seat belt
advocates are putting the pressure on authorities to examine their current
policies.
Size and Structure of School
Buses
Federal regulations require installation of restraints in
vehicles based on their size and weight. Smaller school buses, those weighing less than 10,000
pounds, are required to have seat
belt restraints. The NHTSA has ruled that small buses fall into the same category as
passenger cars and trucks that are mandated to be equipped with safety belts. Regular school buses are heavier
and provide better crash impact than passenger vehicles, thus eliminating the
requirement of seat belt
protection.
Lap Belts vs. Shoulder Harnesses
Studies show that lap belts have the potential to cause
abdominal and head injury in children who are slammed forward in a crash.
Three-point shoulder harnesses would be ideal for restraining children, but are
impractical as there is currently no realistic way to install them on school buses. Window
seats could be implemented with shoulder harnesses, but aisle seats provide no
place to anchor the straps.