Improving Student Safety: School Bus Seat Belt Pilot Program

The University Transportation Center for Alabama (UTCA) is conducting a 3-year pilot study to assess the impact of lap/shoulder seat belts on the safety of students in school buses. After a tragic school bus accident in Huntsville, Alabama, Governor Bob Riley appointed a seven member study group to review laws in other states, interview seat belt experts, and suggest further actions. The group found that there were no comprehensive studies on the subject.

The Alabama State Department of Education awarded a project to UTCA to conduct such a study. The Department also provided allocations to 10 participating local school systems to purchase 12 new buses equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts, to provide fuel and maintenance services for these buses, and to provide aides in several of the buses.