Family calls for seat belts in buses

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A family from Suffolk contacted 10 On Your Side after their young son suffered injuries requiring staples following a ride in a school bus.

Earlier this week Jeremiah Hall asked Suffolk schools to request a seat belt for his pre-school-aged son. While staff said the seat belt would not be possible, Hall's older son had sustained injuries riding in a school bus.

"The bus hit a bump or dip and threw him up and when he came back down in his seat, his head hit the window and cut a gash in his head that required staples," Hall said.

Suffolk Public Schools spokesperson Bethanne Bradshaw told WAVY.com the boy was sitting sideways with his head against the window instead of against the back of the padded seat facing forward as recommended.

School buses in Virginia do not have seat belts because the government says buses are very safe vehicles on the road. The seats are designed with padded high backs to compartment and protect children in the same way an egg carton protects eggs.

Hall says although the buses may be safe on some roads, the roads that they take to his home are bumpier and more dangerous.

"I think the route is different," Hall said.

The trip to Hall's home includes narrow country with 45 to 50 miles an hour speed limits as well as railroad tracks and bridges. Hall tells WAVY.com blanket policies don't always cover everyone.