Guidance from NHTSA and Other Agencies

National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) Position Paper

In February 2014, the NASDPTS issued a revised position in support of lap-shoulder belts on school buses; it was titled, The Equipping and Use of Passenger Lap/Shoulder Belts in School Buses.

See the paper

NHTSA—Guideline for the Safe Transportation of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses

Original NHTSA document on using child safety restraints on school buses for children below kindergarten age/size. Posted as a still-useful reference.

See the document

NHTSA—Choosing the Correct School Bus For Transporting Pre-School Age Children

The transportation of pre-school age children in school buses has increased significantly, and will continue to increase. Organizations providing pre-school transportation extend beyond traditional school systems to include child care and Head Start programs. Regardless of which organization is transporting pre-school age children, the goal of all is to do so safely. This NHTSA publication will help you select the type of school bus you need and determine the features and equipment necessary to allow you to transport safely your pre-school passengers.

See the report

For more information on school buses…

• Order a School Bus Safety Handbook

  This user-friendly handbook serves as an all-in-one background, reference, and resource guide for school district personnel, child passenger safety technicians, medical therapists, and special needs transportation specialists.