WESTFIELD, Ind. (WTHR) - It only took 15 seconds at about 35 mph, but it was just enough time, just fast enough, to make a point when it comes to seat belts on buses.
The test shows us once again that we can learn a lot from a dummy.
IMMI in Westfield is conducting a bus crash test. A semi-tractor will soon crash into a school bus loaded with ten passengers - six will be wearing seat belts, four will not.
"If occupants are on these buses without seat belts, they are susceptible to serious injury," said Nick Awabdy, IMMI’s vice president of engineering.
IMMI is a global leader in the innovation, testing and manufacturing of advance safety systems and Tuesday, they proved it.
The results outside the bus were devastating.
"Some were in IMMI's lap and shoulder vests and others did not have seat belts on them," Awabdy said.
One dummy was on the ground near the back of the bus.
"One of the dummies did eject from the vehicle. I have not seen the video to see where that dummy was in the vehicle," he continued.
Afterward, many of those who viewed the test converged for the School Bus Seat Belt Summit where they discussed many of the obstacles preventing schools from adding seat belts. The main one is cost, but Mike LaRocco, Indiana’s director of school transportation, had an observation.
"IPS is the perfect example. They bought 100 buses and gave no thought to the idea about it and added lap and shoulder vests. I think if they want to do it they will find a way," LaRocco said.
Especially if they see Tuesday's 15-second test.
Only six states (New York, California, Florida, New Jersey, Louisiana and Texas) have laws requiring school buses to have seat belts. Despite that, the chances of your child being hurt on the bus are still pretty low. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, students are 70 times more likely to arrive at school safely when in a bus than in a car.