The same things happen on school buses. In spite of the insistence of those opposed to seat belts on school buses, the laws of physics are not repealed because the passengers are children and the vehicle is a school bus. The story goes that being seated between padded seats is sufficient protection from crash forces. If the school bus should rollover, passengers are tossed as if they were in a concrete mixer. In New Jersey we have learned that when children are using their seat belts that discipline on the school bus is substantially enhanced.
Drivers report that they are better able to concentrate on their driving when belts are in use.
Since driver distraction leads to accidents, New Jersey buses are safer when the children ride restrained. We are also pleased that in New Jersey our children do not get a mixed message regarding auto safety. From the first ride home from the hospital in an infant carrier, to toddler car and booster seats as they grow and finally to seat belts, parents have educated their children to ride safely. It is ironic that Connecticut children often take their very first ride unrestrained as they start kindergarten and get on the school bus for their first trip to school. You will be told that the safest form of transportation is the school bus.