SENATOR Grace Poe has filed a bill that aims to require the installation of seat belts in all school buses to minimize injuries and deaths in road accidents.

In filing Senate Bill 1710, Poe said it is the government's job to promote public safety in the transportation of passengers, particularly school children.

If passed into law, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) shall prescribe within one year regulations requiring driver seat belts and passenger seat belts (including lap safety belts or other child safety devices meeting applicable government safety standards) for each seating position in any new school bus.

Owners of school buses which are not currently equipped with seat belts shall have six months to comply.

The bill also tasks the DOTC, in consultation with appropriate safety organizations and parent-teacher organizations, to conduct a program to promote and encourage the use of seat belts in school buses.

Lastly, the DOTC must prescribe proficiency standards for school bus drivers who are required to possess a professional license to operate a school bus. (Sunnex)