ROBERTSON COUNTY, Tenn. — At least six school buses in Robertson County have been equipped with seat belts since the start of the new year thanks to grant money from the state Department of Education.
Director of Transportation Josh Hinerman said he saw a need for the three-point seat belts following the 2016 deadly Chattanooga school bus crash which killed six elementary school children.
"I'm all about investing in technology that I believe will save a child's life," he said.
Some buses were also equipped with more cameras in order to make sure students don't remove their seat belts while the bus is in motion.
School bus drivers will train students how to properly use the seat belts and give verbal warnings to those who do not want to use the restraints.
"For our part it's more safety because then we don't have to worry about the kids moving around because they are in one spot," said school bus driver Margaret Jones.
Buses that travel on busier routes were equipped with the new seat belts first. The district hopes to add eight more buses with the restraints in the upcoming school year
