What are the age requirements for passengers on a school bus to be seated in a safety belt?

The correct answer emphasizes that all passengers under 8 years of age must be secured in a safety belt while riding a school bus. This age requirement is in place to ensure the safety of younger children, who are more vulnerable to injuries in the event of a collision or sudden stop. Restraining younger passengers with safety belts significantly reduces the risk of harm and promotes safer travel conditions.

The rationale behind this policy is tied to child safety laws and regulations that mandate appropriate seating and safety measures based on age and size. As children grow, their physical ability to handle the dynamics of a vehicle changes, which is why the age of 8 has been established as a cutoff, reflecting where children are generally better able to safely use regular bus seating without additional restraint.

In contrast to the other options, which either specify incorrect age groups or refer to students in specific grade levels, the correct choice comprehensively covers the essential safety requirement for all children under the designated age, highlighting the importance of protecting younger passengers on school buses.