All passengers in a school bus or in a school pupil
activity bus that is equipped with passenger restraint systems in accordance
with sections 27316 and 27316.5 of the Vehicle Code, shall use the passenger
restraint system. All pupils described in subdivision (a) of Education Code
Section 39831.5, shall be instructed in an age-appropriate manner in the use of
passenger restraint systems required by Education Code Section 39831.5(a)(3).
The instruction shall include, but not be limited to, the following
information:
(a) Proper fastening and
release of the passenger restraint system:
(1)
Fastening: To fasten, insert the latch plate (the metal "tongue" attached to
one side of the webbing) into the proper buckle (the receptacle that comes out
from the "bight" in the back of the seat, a slot in the seat cushion, or from
the side). The latch plate inserts into the buckle until you hear an audible
snap sound and feel it latch. Make sure the latch plate is securely fastened in
the buckle.
(2) Unfastening: To
unfasten, push the buckle release button and remove the latch plate from the
buckle. The buckle has a release mechanism that, when manually operated during
"unbuckling," breaks the bond and separates the two
sections.
(b) Acceptable
placement of passenger restraint systems on pupils: Adjust the lap belt to fit
low and tight across the hips/pelvis, not the stomach area. Place the shoulder
belt snug across the chest, away from the neck. Never place the shoulder belt
behind the back or under the arm. Position the shoulder belt height adjuster so
that the belt rests across the middle of the shoulder. Failure to adjust the
shoulder belt properly would reduce the effectiveness of the lap/shoulder belt
system and increase the risk of injury in a collision.
(c) Times at which the passenger restraint
system should be fastened and released: Passenger restraint systems shall be
used at all times the school bus or school pupil activity bus is in motion
except when exempted in subdivisions (e) and (f) of this section.
(d) Acceptable placement of the passenger
restraint systems when not in use: When not in use, passenger restraint systems
shall be fully retracted into the retractors so that no loose webbing is
visible, or stored in a safe manner per the school bus manufacturer's
instructions.
(e) This section does
not apply to a passenger with a physically disabling condition or medical
condition which would prevent appropriate restraint in a passenger restraint
system, providing that the condition is duly certified by a licensed physician
or licensed chiropractor who shall state in writing the nature of the
condition, as well as the reason the restraint is inappropriate.
(f) This section also does not apply in case
of any emergency that may necessitate the loading of school children on a
school bus in excess of the limits of its seating capacity. As used in this
section, "emergency" means a natural disaster or hazard (as determined by the
school district superintendent or their designee) that requires pupils to be
moved immediately in order to ensure their safety.
