The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons believes that lap belts and padding on the backs of seats should be required on all newly manufactured school buses.

Most children starting school for the first time have been required by law to use child restraints or safety belts while riding in passenger cars. As a part of their education, children should be permitted to continue this lifesaving habit while riding on school buses. The educational and safety benefits of making safety belts available outweight their cost. Safety belts in school buses provide additional protection in side impact accidents and rollover accidents. Padding on the seat backs provides extra head protection.

This statement is excerpted from the AAOS's "Position Statement on Safety Belts." It was adopted in July 1984 and last revised in December 1992.