The Safest Way

By George F. Horne

July 22, 1999

A passive restraint system,
protecting those who ride
Upon our yellow buses
may soon be pushed aside.

An envelope of safety
Surrounding each seated child,
Was designed by engineers to be
The best that man has styled.

Dubbed "compartmental seating"
Throughout the industry,
This system, say the critics,
Is not as safe as it should be.

The pros and cons of belts and bars,
Of bags and wedges, too
Will be published in a few more years,
But meanwhile, what to do?

Unless the children follow rules
And sit upon their seats,
No system will ever accomplish
Extraordinary feats.

I think that safety training
And obedience to every rule
Will prove to be the safest way
To get each child to school.

@ 2001 Copyright George F. Horne. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.