Measure Requires 3-Point Seat Belts in New School Buses

Legislation sponsored by Senator Sam Thompson requiring three-point seat belts in new school buses has received final legislative approval from the New Jersey Senate.

“I’ve worked for the past five years to address a glaring safety deficit in the school buses that our children ride every day,” said Thompson (R-12). “When this measure is signed into law, students riding a bus will finally have access to the same lap and shoulder seat belts that we trust to protect them in their family cars.”

Thompson first introduced the legislation, S-233, in 2013 following a pair of school bus accidents in Old Bridge.

The measure requires all school buses manufactured on or after the 180th day following the bill’s enactment to be equipped with three-point lap and shoulder seat belts.

A recent fatal accident involving students from Paramus brought renewed attention to efforts to improve the safety of school buses.

“We know that three-point seat belts are safer than lap belts, which is why they’ve long been required in every passenger vehicle,” add Thompson. “Our new school buses must be outfitted with this extremely affordable form of protection. I have no doubt it will save lives.”

The Senate approved the legislation in a 38-0 vote. The measure now heads to the Governor’s desk.