FACT:

Seat belts improve evacuations. Belted students stay conscious and in one place,
making self-unbuckling and exiting faster. Unbelted students may be thrown around, injured, or trapped under others in an accident. District drills consistently show safe, efficient
evacuations with lap-shoulder belts.

FACT:

Students quickly learn to buckle up at an early age, just like in their family vehicles. In a crash, seat belts keep students conscious so they can quickly self-unbuckle. Drivers focus on evacuation. Districts already running these programs report that drills confirm safe, rapid exits. 

FACT:

Districts report the opposite. When buses are calmer and safer, drivers feel more supported and experience less stress. Fewer behavior problems mean fewer writeups and distractions
leading to improved job satisfaction and retention. Drivers want to drive safely, and lap-shoulder belts make that easier. 

FACT:

Compartmentalization can help in some frontal crashes, but it cannot prevent concussions or protect students in side impacts, rollovers, or severe sudden stops. Today’s data shows that lap-shoulder belts reduce head movement, prevent student to student collisions, and protect a child’s brain, protecting their future. 

FACT:

School buses are safe, but technology evolves. Crash data shows lap-shoulder belts further cut serious injuries and fatalities. Leather football helmets were once deemed sufficient—until better designs emerged as risks became clearer. Safety shouldn’t stay frozen. School buses should build on their strong record by embracing innovations that enhance student safety.

FACT:

Districts with lap-shoulder belts and required usage policies see nearly double the student compliance compared to those without.* Belts become routine, keeping kids seated and reducing discipline issues. Drivers reinforce expectations like other bus rules—no need to police every click.

  * NHTSA Seat Belt Usage on School Buses  

FACT:

SafeGuard seats properly fit three elementary aged students or two larger students. Belts retract into the seat when not in use. Personal items should be placed under the seat to reduce projectile risk. If older or larger students frequently ride three to a seat, that’s a routing issue, not a seat belt issue. 

FACT:

Lap-shoulder belts cost pennies per student per day over the life of a bus and costs have dropped more than 30% since 2003. Districts also report reduced behavior related damage and fewer injury claims. Safety isn’t an expense; it’s an investment that pays off in calmer rides and protected lives. 

FACT:

Unlike a lap belt which can sit loosely on a seat, SafeGuard’s lap-shoulder seat belts automatically retract into the seat when not in use. Lunch boxes, backpacks, and books make far more convenient and easier to use weapons than lap-shoulder belts.