Seat Belts for Buses

The tragic bus crash in New Orleans (May 10) has again reminded me that seat belts are not required on buses. Why not? Twenty-three people died in this accident, several of them by being thrown through the windows of the bus. In California seat belts are not required even on school buses. Seat belts are required in airplanes and cars but not on the very buses that carry little children to school. Could someone explain that to me?

And don’t tell me that it is so kids can get off the bus more quickly after an accident. It takes only one second to release the seat belt that could stop a child from flying through glass. Bus accidents will happen with or without seat belts installed. As a passenger, what would be your choice? Isn’t it time that the state takes action on this matter?

BRUCE NOLTE

Pasadena