By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – School officials are reviewing a proposal to require seat belts on Illinois school buses.

Regional School Superintendent for McLean, DeWitt, Livingston and Logan counties Mark Jontry said there are two main considerations, safety and cost.

“I think you can justify an increased cost if you really think you can demonstrate increased safety,” Jontry said. “Nobody is going to question that.”

The 35 Regional Offices of Education in Illinois are responsible for training bus drivers.

Jontry said his concern is whether students, especially younger ones who might not be able to buckle and unbuckle, would be more likely to become trapped inside in a crash.

Jontry said it’s likely schools would need to buy more buses because those fitted with seat belts would likely have lower seating capacity.

The idea seems like a good idea, I think it just merits more study to make sure the potential benefits outweigh any potential negatives.”

Democratic Rep. Lou Lang of Skokie is sponsoring the measure that would require all public school buses to come equipped with 3-point seat belts like those found in cars.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced this week he supports the proposal.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].