Tennessee group surveys seat belt support

PORTLAND, Tenn. — A statewide survey found a low degree of support for seat belts on school buses.

The Tennessee Association of Pupil Transportation (TAPT) conducted an online survey that asked school transportation directors and other TAPT members whether they support two-point lap belts and three-point restraints.

Of the 326 respondents, only 55 (17 percent) said they approve of lap belts. Three-point systems earned slightly higher approval, with 64 respondents (20 percent) expressing their support.

TAPT Executive Director Larry Riggsbee noted that while anyone with a computer could have completed the survey, there was a “very high probability” that the results represent only the opinions of school transportation directors and other school system personnel.