Requirements are one thing, but self-regulation is completely different.
I cannot understand why any bus operator wouldn’t go to the expense of installing seatbelts in such vehicles. If kids wish to use them, they do so, without recrimination if they don’t. If Johnny’s parents object because he wasn’t wearing his when the bus was in an accident, tough lesson.
Basics of Enterprise Risk Management 101 – how big does the first mutilation or fatality claim go, and what is the cost/benefit ratio?
Or are the operators using shell LLC firms which can fold up on a dime – someone ELSE’s dime?
CT is a stupid State. They don’t require motorcycle helmets yet a small but growing number are using theirs for their singular benefit (excluding family members of dead/maimed bikers). Why not recognize that safety doesn’t have to be mandated unless there is a larger common good?
History lesson – I ws in Hawaii in the middle 60s – we had a military school bus that transported students to local schools. Seat belts (lap belts back then) were required to be worn and the kids were good (Military brats know how to follow the rules).
Anyway – the school bus was broadsided by a cane truck and driven 115 feet sideways down the road. There were NO fatalities – the driver had a concussion and the child behind him got a broken arm. The rest of the kids were not injured.
If that isn’t a strong case for seatbelts on buses, I don’t know what is.
Then there is the issue I ahve heard repeatedly – who is going to inforce the rule that the children must wear the belts? Who will be the seat belt cop? Parents are the ones that make the best examples of wearing seat belts and must demmand that their children wear the belts.
take the number of buses on the road, times the number of students, times the miles, times the days of the year they travel. divide by the number of fatalaties. the odds so small it is more dangerous to walk out and get your newspaper in the morning. a school bus is already is the safest place on the planet to be. go worry about something else.
There are 480,000 buses carrying 500,000 kids per day. Thats roughly 1 kid per bus. Fill the bus with foam rubber except for a small compartment in the center. Place the kid in the compartment and all will be well unless the bus drives into an active volcano or into a nuclear blast.
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Requirements are one thing, but self-regulation is completely different.
I cannot understand why any bus operator wouldn’t go to the expense of installing seatbelts in such vehicles. If kids wish to use them, they do so, without recrimination if they don’t. If Johnny’s parents object because he wasn’t wearing his when the bus was in an accident, tough lesson.
Basics of Enterprise Risk Management 101 – how big does the first mutilation or fatality claim go, and what is the cost/benefit ratio?
Or are the operators using shell LLC firms which can fold up on a dime – someone ELSE’s dime?
CT is a stupid State. They don’t require motorcycle helmets yet a small but growing number are using theirs for their singular benefit (excluding family members of dead/maimed bikers). Why not recognize that safety doesn’t have to be mandated unless there is a larger common good?
History lesson – I ws in Hawaii in the middle 60s – we had a military school bus that transported students to local schools. Seat belts (lap belts back then) were required to be worn and the kids were good (Military brats know how to follow the rules).
Anyway – the school bus was broadsided by a cane truck and driven 115 feet sideways down the road. There were NO fatalities – the driver had a concussion and the child behind him got a broken arm. The rest of the kids were not injured.
If that isn’t a strong case for seatbelts on buses, I don’t know what is.
Then there is the issue I ahve heard repeatedly – who is going to inforce the rule that the children must wear the belts? Who will be the seat belt cop? Parents are the ones that make the best examples of wearing seat belts and must demmand that their children wear the belts.
take the number of buses on the road, times the number of students, times the miles, times the days of the year they travel. divide by the number of fatalaties. the odds so small it is more dangerous to walk out and get your newspaper in the morning. a school bus is already is the safest place on the planet to be. go worry about something else.
Bob – You do have a good point – my point is that they do work.
There are 480,000 buses carrying 500,000 kids per day. Thats roughly 1 kid per bus. Fill the bus with foam rubber except for a small compartment in the center. Place the kid in the compartment and all will be well unless the bus drives into an active volcano or into a nuclear blast.
umm… I think the 500 000 number is Connecticut only.
Thank you ratemaker- my new years resolution to quit drinking coffee has caused by brain to short circuit.
You’re welcome. Although it would be fun to ride around in the foam rubber bus. :)