Should teachers check that pupils are wearing their seatbelts on an overnight coach?
Neither teachers nor drivers are required by law to check that pupils are wearing seatbelts on coaches in the UK. However, the LEA recommends that, in accordance with their normal “duty of care”, teachers should take all reasonable steps to ensure that pupils are correctly wearing seatbelts on a coach. From 9/7/03, there are new seatbelt regulations in France that might be duplicated elsewhere in Europe in the near future. It is now compulsory in France for passengers, drivers and tour managers to wear seat belts if they are fitted on the vehicle. There are no exceptions except children under 10 years of age, or where there is a clear medical reason backed up by a doctor’s certificate.
