The ultimate question: Seat belts or no seat belts on buses?
I would agree with not having seat belts. Although they seem safer, they actually are very dangerous on buses.
What happens when a flash flood or fire occurs and the kids can’t unbuckle and exit the bus on time? They could drown or get burned or possibly die. Having seat belts in this case will actually put the kids in more danger.
Having seat belts not only prevents the kids from quickly and safely exiting the bus, but they can also delay the bus.
The bus driver would have to walk down the aisle and make sure everyone is buckled before she could drive off. That means the bus ride would take twice as long.
Even though the bus driver has a mirror, how can she see everything going on? The kids could play with the seat belts and choke each other and the bus driver would never know.
Although there are many advantages to not having seat belts, there is a disadvantage.
What if the bus flipped and the kids hit their heads on the ceiling? They could get a concussion or break their neck. They could also break other bones as well.
All in all, seat belts on buses are not a good idea. The consequences of wearing a seat belt on a bus can be much more serious than not wearing one.
Even if this doesn’t affect you, it might affect a friend or family member.
Seat belts on buses are not a good idea.
KAYLYN BOHLANDER
Johnson City
