School Bus Safety Regulations In Question Amid Slew Of Deadly Crashes

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- As questions continue to mount following the investigation into the deadly Chattanooga school bus crash, some are turning their attention on how to ensure children are better protected should the unthinkable ever occur again.

As the investigation continues for some, the focus now shifts to bus safety and what can be done to protect children on school buses.

Safety experts say the solution is simple: seat belts. But it's one of the biggest hurdles because of the cost. Especially, as crashes involving school buses are being seen in national spotlight.

"Use of a seatbelt is absolutely going to reduce injury and even for some of the more catastrophic crashes, you'll see less severe injuries," said Lawyer Bryan Chant.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, four children die each year in major school bus crashes. Seatbelts would reduce those deaths by half.

"They are certainly very good in a roll over where you might be ejected if you didn't have that belt," said crash investigator Ken Saczalski.
Students recalling having a similar experience to WJZ during a bus crash in Baltimore County back in April. No seatbelts on this bus either.

"The bus was tilted over and I just saw everyone in shock," said the student.

The driver was recently cited with negligent driving among other charges.

There's no federal mandate on seat belts on buses, in fact, only 6 states require them.

And safety experts tell WJZ, that even with seat belts in buses, vthere's room for improvement by making sure the restraints are more like what you have in your car, as opposed to one that simply goes across a child's lap.

"It's going to make sure there's no rotation in their shoulders or their upper body if there is a crash, especially with a rollover type accident," said Chant.

With more than half million school buses in services nationwide, NHTSA estimates the cost to equip each bus with seat belts would be in the billions.

NHTSA officials say they're aware of the challenge and are constantly looking at ways to make buses safer.

One suggestion is having the bus manufacturers install the belts as they come off the assembly line.