Unlatching school bus seat belt buckles: Considerations for young passengers

This study evaluated the strength capabilities of children and their abilities to unlatch a school bus seat belt when a school bus is in both the upright and rolled-over orientations. Push force exertions on a seat belt buckle push button were measured and compared to the seat belt assembly release force requirements specified in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209. Results of the study suggested that children do not have the strength to exert the maximum force of 133 N to release a seat belt assembly as specified in FMVSS No. 209; however, most children could unlatch a typical school bus seat belt assembly in the upright and rolled-over orientations.PMID:38608624 | DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104283
Source: Applied Ergonomics - Category: Occupational Health Authors: Source Type: research