Why A Louisiana School Bus Law Never Went Into Action

A new study shows more students are being injured in school bus accidents than experts originally thought. For that reason, more parents are calling for seat belts on buses. Louisiana is one of only 4 states that requires occupant restraints on school buses by law. But, critics say that law is little more than a piece of paper. The change was supposed to happen by June 2004. However, 2 years later, many buses still do not have occupant restraint systems. Experts say a lack of funding and new research showing that seat belts are not as effective on school buses are behind the delay. But, many parents say that is far from good enough. "I think it`s wrong, I think children should have seat belts," Donna Prudhomme, a Bossier City mother, said. The House passed the act in 1999. However, with 7,000 school buses in Louisiana, it would cost $36 million to install seat belts. John Reser, Bossier Parish School transportation supervisor, says studies show school buses are very safe, even without seat belts. The padded seats absorb the shock of any impact, thus, keeping the child in place and protecting them from serious injury. Reser says he and other transportation officials are staying on top of the legislation. He recently contacted a state representative for more information on any changes to the law. Yet, parents say the law needs to be put into action. "There`s no sense in having a law if you`re not going to do anything with it," Mike Dobbins, a Bossier City parent, said.