It is the goal of the South Tama County Community School District to provide the safest student transportation possible. The District requires that all students riding a school district bus equipped with seat belts or any school vehicle equipped with seat belts wear seat belts while the bus is in motion. Beginning in 2019-20, the District is purchasing school buses equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts, and the requirements of this policy will apply to students riding on said buses.
Drivers are not responsible and/or liable for students wearing seat belts while riding in any school vehicle. Drivers will instruct students to put on seat belts prior to the bus leaving a school. Drivers will announce prior to the bus leaving that each student needs to be in their seat with the seat belt fastened.
Students who may require assistance in using seat belts should ask the bus driver for help so that all students are safely belted in their seats before the bus is in motion. All students will receive instruction on the proper use of seat belts during the twice-annual bus safety drills.
Students refusing to use seat belts create a safety concern for themselves and others, and are subject to school district disciplinary actions. Repeated refusal to wear seat belts can result in suspension from bus riding privileges.
(February 4, 2020)