EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

NTSB recommends seatbelts for all new school buses

May 23, 2018, 11:43 AM

A federal transportation panel on Tuesday recommended to states that all new large school buses be equipped with both lap and shoulder seatbelts.

The National Transportation Safety Board also recommended requiring collision-avoidance systems and automatic emergency brakes on new school buses.

In 2017, the Utah legislature took up the issue of seatbelts with HB 132. But the bill did not pass the house. The bill’s senate sponsor, Todd Weiler, talked to Utah’s Morning News about it.

“I think we will see the safety of school buses improve,” he said.

Weiler said it would have cost $10-15,000 for each bus to install seatbelts, and lawmakers thought that money could be spent elsewhere. Weiler says it is up to local school districts to decide.

“I have a 15 year old daughter, and I asked her this morning, ‘have you ridden on buses with seatbelts?’ ‘yes,’ she said. ‘Have you worn them?’ She said no, and said no one wears them. She’s a teenager, but I think if we go to this expense, the question is will the kids bother to wear them,” said Weiler.

“I do think they are a common sense solution. if younger kids grow up wearing them, they will wear them as teenagers,” he said.

The Utah Department of Public Safety and others all point out the safety mechanisms already in place. it’s called “compartmentalization” – the way the seats are built, high backs and closely spaced and energy-absorbing seat backs, the kids are cushioned from impact, kind of like eggs in an egg carton.

Large school buses are heavier and distribute crash forces differently than passenger vehicles as well. Small school buses are closer to passenger cars and trucks, seat belts in those vehicles are necessary to provide occupant protection. Both types are highly regulated and inspected often.

Experts say school buses are the safest mode of transportation for getting children to and from school. Students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a bus instead of traveling by car.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Education + Schools

Outside of the Yale University Law School is pictured on September 27, 2018 in New Haven, Connectic...

Zenebou Sylla, CNN

Some New England universities, including Yale, break $90,000 barrier for total tuition cost in upcoming school year

(CNN) — Several New England universities and colleges, including Yale, have reached a pinnacle of at least $90,000 for undergraduate tuition and costs starting this fall. Yale University, Tufts University, Boston University (BU), and Wellesley College are among a few private institutions that will top this year’s costs for tuition, housing and other expenses, according to […]

8 hours ago

FILE: Cedar High School in Cedar City is pictured on Wednesday April 7, 2021....

Tammy Kikuchi and Emma Keddington

Cedar High School grapples with mascot name, five years after it was changed

The Iron School District Board of Education is grappling with changing the Cedar High School mascot back from "Reds" to "Redmen." 

9 hours ago

A green and brown sign hangs on a brick wall. It reads "The future of the world is in this classroo...

Mariah Maynes

Study looks into Utah voters’ opinions on curriculum transparency in schools

A Sutherland Institute study found that a majority of Utah voters support curriculum transparency. However, fewer of them support mandating it with legislation. 

16 hours ago

Utah Utes players circle up before the women’s college basketball game against Weber State Univer...

Aimee Cobabe and Emma Keddington

FBI now involved in Utah Women’s Basketball racism investigation

Police in Idaho are working with the FBI to investigate an incident where racial slurs were yelled at the Utah Women's basketball team.

1 day ago

Utah Utes guard Ines Vieira (2) shoots the ball with Colorado Buffaloes guard Frida Formann (3) jum...

MICHELLE BODKIN

Utah women’s basketball team forced to move hotels after racial hate crimes during NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Tournament was supposed to be a fun experience for the University of Utah women's basketball team.

2 days ago

People walk through the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, March 13, 2024....

Britt Johnson

The cost of college tuition in Utah is going up

The Utah Board of Higher Education approved an average 3.3% percent college tuition increase, that will go into effect for the 2024/2025 school year. 

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

NTSB recommends seatbelts for all new school buses