Question:
Hi, my daughters’ school insists on transporting children on field trips in the school bus. The 15-seater bus has shoulder seat belts so we can send booster seats. The bigger bus (30-seater) only has lap belts so we’ve been told we cannot send booster seats when they use this bus. My daughter is 6 years old and only travels in our cars in a booster seat. Can you please advise on the following: Can a booster seat be used in a vehicle with lap belts only? Would a 6-year-old be safe sitting on a seat without a booster with just a lap belt?
Answer:
Thank you for your questions! Booster seats can only be used with full 3 point seat belts.
That is only part of the solution as it does not address your safety concerns. To ensure your child’s safety in a 3 point seat belt, the Secure-a-Kid harness is ideal for school trips. It has been ECE tested and approved and can easily be stowed in a backpack when not used. It cannot be used with a lap belt only.
Buses, because they are bigger, heavier and have a higher centre of gravity, tend to come off better in a crash than a car. Your child is therefore relatively safer in a bus than in a car.
I have attached a pre-trip inspection checklist as well. You are most welcome to use and share this with other parents. The check list has been designed with the help of Dekra, a company that specialises in roroadworthyhecks for vehicles. It will point out obvious defects in vehicles that can lead to failures resulting in crashes.
I trust that the information will be of some help and you are most welcome to send more queries our way should you have any.
Much love
Peggie Mars
Wheel Well
