why don't buses have seatbelts

Buses, especially large school buses and city buses, generally do not have seat belts because their design and safety features provide protection without them. The key safety concept is "compartmentalization," which means that the bus seats have high backs that are closely spaced and padded to absorb impact and protect passengers during crashes. The large size, heavy weight, and elevated seating position of buses also contribute to their safety, as buses are less likely to experience sudden stops or be crushed in collisions compared to smaller vehicles. Additionally, bus drivers undergo rigorous training, and buses travel at relatively lower speeds, which further reduces the risk of injury. Practical reasons include the frequent stops and short rides in city buses, making seat belt use impractical, and the cost of installing seat belts in all buses, which can be very high. In the case of school buses, federal regulations do not require seat belts for large buses over 10,000 pounds, and only some states have seat belt mandates. Although seat belts can help in side or rollover crashes, studies show that they would not have prevented most school bus fatalities. In sum, the combination of safety design, operational factors, and the high cost relative to benefits explains why buses typically do not have seat belts.