The National Highway Transportation Safety Adminstration, or NHTSA does not require the use of seatbelts in buses weighing over five tons. While there is a requirement for smaller buses, the decision for the larger ones is left to the states. As of yet, only six states, California, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, and Texas require some use of seat belts on large buses. In some cases, this is only on newer buses.
Ten of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, one of whom was the driver, according to emergency personnel. Reportedly many of the injured suffered head injuries.
Unfortunately, the rising prices of gas and regulations, make it very hard to turn a profit. So companies cut corners to stay in business. Recently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have ordered a tour bus operator to cease operations immediately, after being involved in a Southern California crash.
One parent stated her children attend Norte Vista high School in Riverside and boarded separate buses, with one child boarding the bus involved in the collision.
The bus company said that two buses are transporting the unharmed passengers in the crash to their destination.