- The first safety concern is known as passive compartmentalization. This is when the bus is designed with an interior featuring mainly well-padded sides and high seat backs. This approach is concerned with protecting passengers during sudden impacts and making sure that they are not ejected from their seats. This has been referred to as the "egg carton" approach and is mainly used on larger buses.
- The second safety concern is known as active seat belt usage. This is when the bus design uses the same standards as any other passenger vehicle. This approach has, as required, the placement of seat belts for every passenger and is mainly used on smaller buses.
-
There are four school bus designs:
Type A is known as a "cutaway van" or "short" school bus. It is the smallest and typically carries 16 to 30 passengers.
Type B is known as an "integrated" or "activity" school bus. It is typically carries 30 to 36 passengers.
Type C is known as a "conventional" school bus. It is most common in the United States. It has the front end of a truck with a hood and typically carries 36 to 78 passengers.
Type D is known as a "transit" school bus. It is most common in the European Union. It has a flat front and usually looks similar to a public transit bus. It typically carries 54 to 90 passengers. -
In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a final rule on school bus safety. The rule, which amended Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 222 ("School Bus Passenger Seating and Occupant Protection"), deals with both passive compartmentalization and active seat belt usage in all bus sizes.
All new school buses must be equipped with seat backs that measure at least 24 inches high. All Types A and B school buses made on or after Sept. 1, 2011, must be equipped three-point, lap/shoulder seat belt restraint systems. States have the option of requiring Types C and D school buses to be equipped with seat belts. -
As of 2008, only two states, California and Texas, require all new school buses to have three-point restraint systems installed and require passengers to use them. New York, New Jersey, Louisiana and Florida require two-point systems to be installed. However, only New Jersey requires that passengers use the seat belts.
Additionally, New York and New Jersey require 28-inch seat backs, which is four inches higher than the federal minimum mandate.
