A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration involved a series of sled tests measuring the benefits of two school-bus safety approaches: belts (both kinds) and compartmentalization, the creation of a protective zone formed by padded, strong, closely spaced seats. It is currently required on all school buses. Belts are required in a handful of states for new models. It was found that installing lap belts in school buses would not offer injury reduction in serious frontal crashes and could lead to more neck injuries. Lap/shoulder belts would offer more protection, but only if they were used properly. The report is available on the Web at http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-11/schoolbus/sbreportfinal… (Author/publisher)
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