Small bus with lap belts only OK?

Persimmon

Active member

• Sep 4, 2014

• #1

We are trying to decide on where DS will go to kinder next year and transportation to school may be an issue. There is a place close to us that has daycare up to private Kinder. They provide transportation in the mornings to some of the local schools and I could drop DS off as early as 6:30. This would be great because I may have to be at work 7. I called and they said they use "small buses" with lap belts only and 2 kids to one bench seat. Is this OK? DS will probably still be harnessed at 5.5 when he starts Kinder. He does not sit still. There will be one other adult on the bus in addition to the driver. I plan to go take a look at the buses and what should I look for/ask about?

 

C

cantabdad

New member

• Sep 5, 2014

• #2

Is this an actual yellow school bus that meets all Federal standards? (A "small bus" sounds like it could be a Type A or Type B school bus.)

If so, then technically, yes, lap belts are acceptable for children of normal school age. And as you know, no seatbelts at all are required for larger buses, except in a handful of states.

For younger kids -- what NHTSA calls "preschool age" and what AAP calls "pre-kindergarten" age -- carseats (or other specialized child restraints) are the recommended standard.

Although these terms aren't terribly well defined, a 5-year old kindergartner would probably be considered school age, and therefore OK on the bus. You could still insist on installing a harnessed carseat if you think he would be safer that way.

 

Persimmon

Active member

• Sep 5, 2014

• #3

I am not sure about the bus. I will ask what type they are when I go visit. I know they won't transport anyone younger than 4 on them. I am hoping they have a seating position with a tether anchor. Maybe they would let me use a ride safer 2 vest if there is a TA. Come to think of it, maybe there are no TA's and that is why they don't transport anyone younger than 4??? I just can't imagine him sitting in place with just a lap belt. Maybe he will get better when we start booster training.

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Sep 6, 2014

• #4

Small buses should always have shoulder belts or harnesses in use. If it's not a full size school bus, it doesn't have to meet the school bus standard. (on a full size school bus, I'd rather no belts than lap belts.)

 

Persimmon

Active member

• Sep 6, 2014

• #5

Thanks, KQ. That is what I was worried about. Ugh. Maybe the ride safer 2 tethered? That would not take up much extra room and DS could keep it in a backpack. I have never seen one but I assuming they aren't that big. DS is 50% height and weight. If no TA, I could find out what kind of bus so I can see if installing a TA would work or if they would allow it. Any options if TA is not possible? That just seems like a deal breaker.

 

Last edited: Sep 6, 2014

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Sep 6, 2014

• #6

If there is an empty belt behind, it might be possible to temporary tether.

A lot depends on how willing they are to work with you.

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Sep 6, 2014

• #7

One concern would be how likely is the vest to be used properly? That's not something he could put himself in properly. I'd worry about the tether or guides getting skipped. I think I'd prefer a conventional seat for that reason.

If it's a bus bus, just a short one, a cam wrap seat or harness like a STAR is a possibility.

If it's a large van... I'd just nix it.

 

Persimmon

Active member

• Sep 6, 2014

• #8

<3<3<3 Thanks! I will go check it out.

 

Persimmon

Active member

• Sep 7, 2014

• #9

I went by when the school was closed to take a look at the bus. They have two, both Type A. No tether anchors that I could see. So, I think I will ask if they will let me install a car seat and leave it in there. I need to find out if they always use the same bus for each route. Any suggestions on which car seat would be good? I was thinking harmony defender since it is so narrow but I don't think it can be used in harness mode without top tether. Here is a pic of the seat.
ETA: Or do you think something else would be better?

 

Last edited: Sep 7, 2014

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Sep 7, 2014

• #10

Low profile would be good. Remember that if you install a harnessed seat no one can ride in the row behind who's not in one. So sometimes the last row is preferred if all seats will be full. If all seats are NOT full, temporary tethering to the seatbelt behind is an option.

 

Persimmon

Active member

• Sep 7, 2014

• #11

Hmm, I will have to ask where he can sit. DS is very good about buckling himself in and letting the driver know if he is not properly harnessed so maybe I would be OK if he was in the last row. It is small and either the director or assistant director is on the bus along with the driver. Really hate for him to not have a top tether though without something like a FRN 85 LBP. UGH. Any thoughts if he can only use the lap belt?

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Sep 7, 2014

• #12

It's not a way I'd let my child ride. It's still probably very safe we each have to draw our own line.

 

Persimmon

Active member

• Sep 8, 2014

• #13

OK, that helps me out a lot. Once again, you have come to my rescue. You are like DS's car seat godmother. I will go talk to them and see what they say and also see if I can find a better option.