An advisory committee, in response to a 1985 resolution by the Virginia General Assembly, presents this analysis and makes recommendations concerning state school bus safety. The report is divided into eight topics; six appendices comprise three-fourths of the study. "Origin of the Study" states requests to be investigated by the department of education (included in Appendix A) and lists the 15 committee members. "Rationale for the Study" describes concern for children's safety and discusses the use of safety belts versus another method of assuring passenger safety (i.e., high, padded seat-backs). "Historical Overview of Pupil Transportation in Virginia" traces the history of school bus services and accident rates. "Analysis of Statistics for Accidents, Injuries, and Fatalities" includes accident report data for 1980-85, presented in Appendix B. "The Work of the Advisory Committee" details committee research activities, including a safety questionnaire (Appendix E), a summary of investigative reports, status of bus maintenance, and a report supporting use of seat belts. "Committee Discussion of Other Issues" examines (1) danger areas outside the bus and (2) driver qualification. "Comments and Recommendations" addresses topics and makes the recommendation that safety belts are inappropriate in buses; construction variables do not allow for their practical use. Local option for the use of seat belts was opposed by the committee. The conclusion describes the committee's approach. (CJH)