Full Text
1. Purpose. The intent of this policy is to establish a policy regarding the enforcement of seat belt use on the Otsego County Bus System. 2. Authority. Otsego County Board of Commissioners. 3. Application. This policy will apply to Otsego County Bus System drivers and passengers. 4. General Policy. The Otsego County Bus System follows all National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines and Michigan law regarding seatbelt requirements on Public Transit Buses. All Otsego County Bus Drivers are required by law to wear their seatbelts while driving at anytime. For regular adult passengers, the use of seatbelts is recommended and highly encouraged, but not required. On Otsego County Bus System routes that transport special needs and Head Start students, the Bus Aide will, as a general rule, attempt to ensure that all children riding the bus are properly wearing their seatbelts. It is our goal to ensure the safe transportation of all passengers, keeping in mind that there are no specific NHTSA guidelines or laws requiring any persons riding the bus to wear a seatbelt. The Otsego County Bus System feels it is very important to make every effort reasonably possible to make sure children wear seatbelts. There will be occasions when a child refuses or will not keep their seatbelt on. If this occurs, the Bus Aide must balance the disruption of the other children or passengers and the ability of the bus driver to maintain their focus on driving in a safe manner without distraction. If the child continues to cause a disturbance, the Bus Aide will not attempt to force the child to put on the seatbelt. They will make sure the child sits in their seat and then fill out an incident report. The incident report will be given to the County Bus Department Manager who will determine if any action is required after coordinating with parents and teachers. 8. Effective Date The effective date of this policy is June 28, 2011. County Credit Card Otsego County Bus System Seatbelt Policy