Mississippi lawmakers debate seat belts on school buses
Legislators may consider the issue next year, and some are already expressing opinions on both sides. One representative acknowledges that state money for seat belts is limited, but he asks his colleagues, “What is the value of a child’s life?” Others point to potential difficulties bus drivers could have in making sure all students are buckled up.
JACKSON, Miss. — State lawmakers may consider next year whether school buses should be equipped with seat belts, and some are already expressing opinions on both sides of the issue, The Associated Press reports.
Advocates say seat belts could help reduce the severity of children's injuries in case of a school bus crash. Rep. Tom Miles (D-Forest) said he knows state money is limited, but he asked his colleagues, “What is the value of a child’s life?”
However, critics cited various concerns, including the potential difficulty for school bus drivers to make sure that all children wear their seat belts.
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