Historically speaking, the largest school transportation safety problem has been in the school bus loading zone, where children get on and off the bus. The Federal requirement that school buses have flashing lights on the front and rear, and a stop signal arm on the left side, provide notice to passing motorists to stop their vehicles in accordance with State Law. Each school district has a school bus behavior policy that each parent should become aware of. The school bus driver's number one interest is the child's safety. Research shows that high back padded seats and seat belts provide a safe situation in an accident.
Seat belts are most effective in side impact and roll over accidents.
Seat belts and high back seats work together to increase passenger safety. This figure is from a manufacturer's price quote. Wait until the bus stops, the door opens and the driver signals it is okay to approach the bus. Find a seat immediately. Keep aisles clean.