It's a very safe bus. Towns like Calais have taken measures to safeguard their children while riding the bus. But the U.S. government leaves it up to school districts, towns and states to decide for themselves. There is no law that requires all U.S. school buses to be fitted with seat belts. But the states of New York and New Jersey have passed laws that require seat belts on school buses.
New Jersey is the only state in the country that requires passengers use the belts.
This year, Representatives Bristol of Brattleboro and Alfano of Calais have introduced a bill which would require all newly purchased school buses to be equipped with seat belts, and also would require all school-bus operators to wear seat belts. Right now, the bill is sitting with the Transportation Committee, where a similar bill, introduced last year by Representative Bristol languished without a hearing. I think the genesis of my interest was the concern of some of my constituents. There is some difference of opinion as to whether it's a good thing. Having kids loose in the bus should an accident occur could be dangerous.