Table of Contents
What do the black stripes on a school bus mean?
Those black stripes are there to help protect the children in the event of a collision. They are known as “rub rails” and they also stop a car that hits the side of the bus from harming the entire side of the vehicle.
Why do school buses have white roofs now?
Cooler temperatures help keep everyone comfortable, but with younger students it can also help keep children more calm and well-behaved, according to an article from the New York Times. The white roofs also make the vehicles easier to spot and anything that keeps children safer is undoubtedly positive.
Why do some school buses have flat fronts?
The driver is in a low position allowing passengers to look out of the front end above the driver. This coach is more aerodynamic than the city bus seen above: The corners are more rounded and the upper part of the front window is sloping back.
Why are some buses white on top?
Air conditioning school buses used to mean opening windows, which on a hot day simply let in hot air. Now more and more states and school districts are finding that painting the tops of school buses white makes the ride cooler.
Why are school buses yellow and black?
The school buses’ black lettering stands out against the hue, and according to research, “Lateral peripheral vision for detecting yellows is 1.24 times greater than for red.” In short, safety and tradition is why a big yellow school bus will be picking up your kids this fall, and don’t expect to see any other color.
Why do school buses stop at railroad crossings?
It’s to make sure the driver can visualize that the tracks are clear. A bus carrying passengers or any school bus must stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of a railroad to look and listen for signals indicating the approach of a train and may not proceed until it is safe.
Why are school busses painted yellow?
The yellow-orange color was selected because black lettering on it was most legible in semi-darkness, and because it was conspicuous at a distance and unusual enough to become associated with school buses and groups of children en route.
Why are school buses black and yellow?
Unlike red, yellow is also more easily noticed in a dark environment. This is one of the major reasons school bus yellow was chosen. The black lettering on yellow is the easiest color combination for drivers to see in the darkness of early morning when students are being picked up for school.
What is a dog nose bus?
Dog-Nose (Conventional) A conventional school bus tends do have better ground clearance, and a better approach angle, since the front wheels are further forward, making them better for going off the beaten path. The engine is also very accessible on a conventional bus.
Why are bus engines in the back?
When loaded, buses get traction thanks to being rear wheel drive. A transmission or drive shaft are necessary if the engine is at the front as a result of this. This will ensure that the back wheels and engine are connected. A rear engine prevents this and is better overall for the bus.
What do the three stripes on a school bus mean?
The three rails are there to demarcate the body mid-section/top of the seat, the seat line itself where all the kids’ butts are installed, and the floor line of the passenger compartment.
What is the official color of a school bus?
School Bus Glossy Yellow
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “All school buses should … Be painted National School Bus Glossy Yellow, in accordance with the colorimetric specification of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Federal Standard No. 595a, Color 13432.”