HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. -- If your child rides the school bus in Hillsborough County, they'll need to buckle up.
- All Hillsborough County school buses will have seat belts
- State law requires it
- Debate between three-point seat belts or lap belts on school buses
This year, all 842 Hillsborough County Public School buses will be equipped with seat belts. The state of Florida requires it.
But school leaders know getting all students to fasten their seat belts could take some time. They're hoping parents spread the word.
"When the driver gets on the bus, the driver will tell those students, buckle up," said HCPS General Manager of Transportation Jim Beekman. "We do a cursory check at the beginning, but we have to have parents' support to make sure their students stay buckled up for the ride to school and the ride home."
Experts have different opinions on whether three-point seat belts or lap belts should be used on school buses. All the Hillsborough County buses have lap belts.
Beekman said they are waiting to see what the state recommends.