SAFETY DEVICES WOULD PROTECT YOUNGSTERS ON SCHOOL BUSES

A move is under way in both Missouri and Illinois to mandate 10-foot-long safety arms on the front of public school buses.

Gov. Mel Carnahan put funding in his proposed budget to pay for installing this equipment on school buses in Missouri. He wants the equipment in place by the start of the 1998 school year. The governor feels that if this small step protects the life of even one Missouri child, it is an action worth taking.

Last year, eight children died across the nation when they were struck by school buses. Forty-two such deaths occurred from 1985 through 1995.

Oftentimes, these children are killed by the very bus they have just exited.

A two- or three-foot area circling the bus can prove very dangerous. Even with mirrors, it is difficult for a bus driver to see children passing that close.

The crossing control arms swing out from the front bumper of school buses. This prevents youngsters from walking into a bus driver's blind spot.

Last year, the Illinois Legislature appropriated $150,000 to install these safety devices in 45 school districts. This trial basis proved so successful that a move is on to require the devices on all Illinois school buses.

If both Missouri and Illinois approve legislation requiring control arms, they would be in good company. Thirteen states require these safety devices for school buses.

In the scope of national problems, school bus safety may not top the list. But these devices can save lives, and the costs to states is nominal in comparison.