

Perhaps you are no more aware than I was that school buses often don't have seat belts, thereby making them rolling death traps. Now that we both know, I'm asking you, as a mother, and future grandmother, for your help. I'm willing to do as much work as it takes, but I don't know the ins and outs of finding out how widespread the problem is, and whom to contact to right this wrong. If you could take up the baton and work with me in an effort to get these buses retrofitted with seat belts, I'd be truly grateful.

The week before Christmas I was one of the chaperones going to a play with my granddaughter's second-grade class. When I boarded the bus I couldn't believe that, in this day and age, there were no seat belts. An airplane doesn't take off until everyone is belted in. When I drive I am subject to a fine if everyone in my car is not belted in. And yet our children riding old school buses are at risk of being flying projectiles in a large metal box with metal seats.


Annie Bryant


A I understand your worry and applaud your passion, but progress is being made. California is one of a handful of states that requires seat belts for all school buses manufactured after July 1, 2005. In addition, buses without seat belts are considered very safe with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which concluded that "there is insufficient reason for a federal mandate for seat belts on large school buses."

Why? Buses have improved emergency exits, more solid roofs and "compartmentalization" in which they provide occupant protection for children without the need to buckle up. Crash protection is provided by a protective envelope consisting of strong, closely spaced seats that have energy-absorbing seat backs. Go to www.nea.org/home/19085.htm for more.

Q Why do buses continue to stop at railroad crossings? It seems this maximizes the time it takes to cross the tracks. Wouldn't it make more sense to keep rolling at speed to get across the tracks?


David Spencer



Q At the No. 62 bus stop on Bascom Avenue north of San Carlos Street in San Jose, a gadget and sign are attached to the bus-sign pole. The gadget looks like the button you push to activate the walk signal and the sign says, "Push for light." But as far as I can tell, there is no pedestrian light nearby that logically would be activated by a button in that vicinity. Did someone place this button and sign as a gag?

Amy Sargent

San Jose



Bob Rumsey


A Maybe! There are plans to extend the southbound carpool lane on I-680 to 101, but that won't happen for many years.
