It is common knowledge that seat belts save lives. According to statistics, wearing a seat belt is the single most effective way to prevent fatalities and reduce injuries in a motor accident. The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, the third largest writer of motor-vehicle insurance in the United States, states that 'seat belts are the most important factor in saving lives during a car accident, according to a study of fatal accidents in 2005'.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is mindful of safety for road users, and has, over the years, implemented many rules to keep the motor-accident rate to a minimum. It is surprising, therefore, that to date, it seems to have shied away from implementing the rule requiring all school buses to be fitted with seat belts.

Every time I drive behind or next to a school bus, I dread to think of the consequences should it be involved in an accident. More often than not, I see children congregating around a seat, chatting or playing. Even if they are sitting obediently in their seats, they may suffer injuries in an accident - more so if they are not properly seated.

In Germany, it is compulsory for all school buses to have individual seat belts. The driver ensures all pupils under his charge are properly buckled up before he starts his journey to and from school.

I see no reason why Singapore should not take a leaf from the Germans' book.

I urge the LTA to make the use of seat belts mandatory on all school buses before, God forbid, the next accident occurs.

Han Soon Juan
Germany