I READ with dismay and shock the letter, "Belting up in school buses should not be compulsory" (my paper, Oct 20).

I agree that accidents do happen. However, isn't it rational to prevent them from happening at all costs, especially when young lives are involved?

Besides, the Government is providing substantial subsidies for the installation of seat belts in minibuses.

The letter-writer says that Singapore suffers from over-regulation.

However, compared to some other developed countries, Singapore is, in fact, lagging behind in terms of school-bus safety, including rules on seat belts.

Doors at the back, front or side of buses or any other vehicles can be secured, or the vehicles would not have been approved by the Land Transport Authority.

But when accidents happen, the impact would certainly damage the doors to some extent.

Seat belts will not be a liability but a lifesaver - unless, of course, the letter reflects the perspective of a school-bus operator who will feel the pinch due to the cost incurred for installing the belts.

My kids are always buckled up during car rides.

Are they uncomfortable? Of course, they are. But should we trade their safety for a little comfort?

Of course not.

If the rule to install seat belts were to be postponed by 10 years, as suggested in the letter, how many innocent lives might be lost in that time due to a lack of seat belts in school buses?

Ask any parent, and he/she would tell you that neither inflation nor a recession would make them lower the importance they place on their children's safety.

With regard to the argument that seat belts restrict children's freedom to develop, I would choose safety over this freedom any time.

Ms Amy Goh Ai Leng

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