C.E. White re-invests in the future of school bus seating and realizes unparalleled growth in the process. A microcosm of the nation’s current economic recession is Ohio, home of the school bus seat manufacturer, where decreased manufacturing output was a major reason one why the state was again projected to be a major player in deciding the 2008 presidential election.

Texas has one of the nation’s only lap/shoulder belt laws. But funding may jeopardize its future.

ALBANY, N.Y. — With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s rulemaking on school bus occupant protection coming sometime in early 2009, NAPT applauded a forthcoming Alabama study on the practical aspects of installing lap/shoulder belts in large school buses, the first of its kind nationwide. But NHTSA, NAPT said, still has many questions to answer.

When choosing child safety restraints, there are many options and few hard rules to help transportation directors know which system goes best with which child. In most cases, school transportation personnel will need to individually assess each student to determine the right restraint. But by asking the right questions at IEP meetings, transportation directors can make sure they get off on the right foot.

It took the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration longer than expected to call for school bus lap/shoulder seat belts, but as many questions as answers, such as where the money will come from, remain.