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NATIONAL COALITION OF SCHOOL BUS SAFETY NEWS UP TO DEC. 2003Click here to download this document National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - February 1999 RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PRE-SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN IN SCHOOL Each pre-school age children are transported in a school bus, NHTSA recommends these guidelines be followed: (1) Each child should be transported in a Child Safety Restraint System (suitable for the child's weight and age) that meets applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSSs). (2) Each child should be properly secured in the Child Safety Restraint System. Child Safety Restraint System Defined A Child Safety Restraint System is any device (except a passenger system lap seat belt or lap/shoulder seat belt), designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position a child who weighs less than 50 pounds. Child Safety Restraint Systems Guideline Child Safety Restraint System
Specifications Each pre-school age child to be transported has a CSRS appropriate for the child's weight, height, and age. Each CSRS meets all applicable FMVSSs (look for the manufacturer's certification on the label attached to the system). Each CSRS has been registered with the CSRS's manufacturer to facilitate any recalls the manufacturer might conduct. If the CSRS is the subject of a recall, any necessary repairs or modifications have been made to the manufacturer's specifications. Each CSRS is maintained as recommended by its manufacturer, including disposal of any CSRS that has been involved in a crash. Proper Securement The CSRS is used and secured correctly in the school bus. Each child is secured in CSRSs according to manufacturer's instructions. All CSRS attachment hardware and anchorage systems meet FMVSS 210, Seat Belt Assembly Anchorage’s or FMVSS 225, Tether Anchorage’s and Child Restraint Anchorage Systems. School bus seats designated for CSRSs meet FMVSS 225, or include lap belts that meet FMVSS 209, Seat Belt Assemblies, and anchors that meet FWSS 21 0 (designed to secure adult passengers or CSRS). Guideline For The Safe
Transportation Of Pre-School Age Children In School Buses Personnel responsible for securing CSRSs onto school bus seats and children into CSRSs are properly trained and all personnel involved with CSRSs are provided up-to-date information and training. When transported in the school bus, pre-school age children a-re supervised according to their developmental and functioning level. School Bus Seats Designated
for Child Safety Restraint Systems School-bus seats designated for CSRSs are located starting at the front of the vehicle to provide drivers with quick access to and a clear view of the CSRS occupants. CSRS anchorages on school bus seats should meet all applicable FMVSSS. When ordering new school buses, the maximum spacing specified under FWSS No. 222, School Bus Passgenger seating and Crash Protection, (within 24 inches from the seating reference point) is recommended for seats designated for CSRSs to provide adequate space for the CSRSS. The combined width of CSRS and/or other passengers on a single seat does not exceed the width of the seat. If other students share seats with the CSRSS, the CSRSs are placed in window seating position. Retrofitting School BusesRetrofitting School Buses Existing school bus seats should only be retrofitted with lap belts or child restraint anchorages as instructed by the school bus manufacturer. When a school bus is retrofitted with a seat to allow for proper securement of a CSRS, instructions obtained from the school bus or seat manufacturer on how to install the seat and restraint systems should be followed. When a school bus is retrofitted, the bus owner should ensure that seat spacing is sufficient for the CSRS to be used. EvacuationEvacuation The establishment of a written plan on evacuating pre-school age children and other passengers in CSRSs in the event of an emergency. This written plan should be provided to drivers, monitors, and emergency response personnel. The plan should explicitly state how children (both in and out of the CSRS) should be evacuated from Evacuation drills are practiced on a scheduled basis, at least as often as that required for the school system's school-aged children. AR personnel involved in transporting children are trained in evacuation and emergency procedures, including those in the written school bus evacuation plan- All school buses carrying children in CSRSs carry safety belt cutters that are accessible only to the driver and any monitors. CSRSs are not placed in school bus seats adjacent to emergency exits. Local emergency response teams are provided copies of the written school bus evacuation plan, including evacuation of pre-school age children. Emergency response personnel should be invited to participate in evacuation drills. Other RecommendationsOther Recommendations Specified procedures should be established for loading and unloading children in CSRSS. Procedures should be established for the periodic maintenance, cleaning, and inspection for damage of CSRSS. Procedures should be established to train personnel involved in direct service delivery of infants, toddlers, and pre-school children on the physical day-to-day handling of these young children and means to handle potential exposure to contagious and communicable diseases. When school bus procedures are established, it should be noted that some children in CSRSs may have special needs, including medical fragility, that must be addressed on a child-by-child basis. CONCLUSION: ALL CHILDREN LESS THAN 50 LBS should be given a car seat (CSRS). Contact your school superintendent/Administrator with a certified letter and put them on "LEGAL" NOTICE!
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