Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Policy for the Use of Seat Belts in State Vehicles and Private Vehicles While Transporting Students and Staff

Policy O-49

Policy: The primary responsibility of staff is to ensure the safety of students and others.  While state law does not require the use of seat belt/restraint systems in a school bus or a public passenger bus, best practices indicate that injury in the event of an accident is greatly diminished when seat belts/restraints are used.  Therefore, for individuals transporting students in state vehicles or private vehicles for school related activities, it is the policy of the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired that students, staff, visitors and others will use available seat belt and/or restraint systems which may include a passenger restraint system for children.  This includes but is not limited to: cars; vans; buses; mini-buses or other vehicles where a seat belt or restraint system is available or required by law. 

It is the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle to ensure that the seat belt restraint system is operational and properly installed (child restraint system) prior to embarking on the trip/outing.  In the event that a seat belt/restraint is not operational in a vehicle assigned for use based on the number of passengers, the vehicle should not be used.  The driver using a state owned vehicle should contact the education office or other appropriate transportation facilitators to request another vehicle.  The driver should also immediately notify maintenance of the malfunctioning seat belt/restraint.  The vehicle will be taken off line until such time the seatbelt/restraint is repaired and deemed fully operational.

In the event that the seat belt/restraint becomes non-operational when off campus, the appropriate individual facilitating transportation should be notified so that another vehicle can be sent to transport. 

Individuals who are unwilling to use a seat belt/restraint system will not be permitted to travel in a state vehicle or private vehicle used to transport students for school related activities.

The ISBVI Board directs the ISBVI Superintendent to ensure ISBVI staff complies with this policy by:

1) Providing ISBVI staff written notice and documenting their awareness and receipt of these documents by obtaining their signatures;

2) Affording initial and periodic on-going training to ISBVI staff on the ISBVI Board Policy on Use of Seat Belts in State Vehicles and Private Vehicles While Transporting Students and Staff

ISBVI Policy O-49

Adopted by ISBVI Board:  5/17/10

ISBVI Superintendent: _________________________ ____________

   Date signed

ISBVI Board Chair: ___________________________ ____________

   Date signed