Third time may be the charm
Information compiled. File photo
A bill that would require school buses in Washington are equipped with seatbelts has been introduced for a third year in Olympia. The sponsor of the bill, Gina Mosbrucker from Goldendale, points out that laws require parents to buckle up kids in the car. And asks, “Why don’t we do the same on school buses?”
Mosbrucker says it sends mixed messages to kids to tell them to fasten their seatbelts when they get in a car, but not a bus. Convincing lawmakers in Olympia of the need for school bus seatbelts is now in its third year.
Critics say it may be too costly to put seat belts on school buses. Mosbrucker says she’s found a way to get the money without affecting local school districts or the state budget. Language in the proposed bill would also require automated cameras be installed in school buses to detect drivers who blow through the stop arm when kids are getting on and off buses. The fine for stop arm violators is over $400, which could be used to pay for the seatbelts.
Mosbrucker says revenue from the fines would be more than enough to pay for school bus seatbelts and provide additional funds for police to enforce the stop paddle law in local school districts.
Last year she told the House Education Committee kids are at risk if they’re on a bus with no seat belts.
“The main thing I want you to remember that is when a bus crashes or rolls over, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration equates that to clothes in a dryer. And those are our children. So I think this is something we definitely need to work on and keep our kids safe,” said Mosbrucker.
The measure is awaiting action.
