Dear State Director of Pupil Transportation,

Over the past few years the number of pre-school age children being transported to school programs, often in school buses, has been increasing. As a result the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received inquiries asking how to safely transport pre-school age children in school buses, To answer the question, NHTSA conducted crash testing of pre-school age size dummies in school bus seats. The test results showed that pre-school age children in school buses are safest when transported in child safety restraint systems (CSRSs) that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, Child Restraint Systems, and are correctly attached to the seats.

Based on the research findings, NHTSA recommends pre-school age children transported in school buses always be transported in properly secured CSRSs. This recommendation resulted in many requests from school (and child care) transportation offices seeking advice on how to implement the recommendation. In response NHTSA, with help from many organizations and individuals, created the enclosed Guideline, for the Safe Transportation of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses to assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for transporting pre-school age children. It is my hope the Guideline will create a starting point to work together to increase the safety of all pre-school age children traveling in school buses

The Guideline for the Safe Transportation of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses can be found on NHTSA's home page at nhtsa.dot.gov. If you need additional information about any of the recommendations contained in the Guideline please contact me at 202-366-4301 or dwigle@nhtsa.dot gov

Diane E. Wigle
Enclosure

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