Number: RL34153
Title: Seat Belts on School Buses: Overview of the Issue
Authors: David Randall Peterman, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: This report examines the issue of adding seat belts to large school buses. It begins by looking at the number of children who use school buses to get to school each year, the number who are killed while riding in school buses, and the relative risk of school bus travel compared with other modes of school transportation. The history of congressional interest in the issue is then summarized, followed by a description of the current occupant protection features in large school buses. The results of several studies evaluating the potential safety benefit of seat belts are presented, then the potential consequences of requiring seat belts in large school buses are examined. Next, the various state requirements for seat belts on school buses are described. The report concludes by discussing policy options should Congress consider this issue.
Pages: 13
Date: August 31, 2007