Ask a Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I am puzzled as to why seat belts are mandatory in vehicles along with a fine for not complying but our precious cargo in school buses are not required to wear them?

Answer: School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation even without seatbelts. School buses are safer because of their large size and design. School bus interiors are designed on “compartmentalization”, which packs seats closely together and covers them with energy-absorbing pads. This minimizes their movement upon impact. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, less than one percent of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).