The school buses that roam the streets today look an awful lot like the first conventional school buses that came out of an American standardization conference in 1939. They are big, boxy, and bright yellow. They aren't the same buses, but they've carried that iconic look for 85 years. There are reasons for this: we want people to recognize school buses for what they are, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Also, school buses are different from consumer automobiles in that there are no customers to please. People who buy cars want modern styling, convenience, and the latest gadgets, while school buses aren't for status or luxury. We just want to get the kids to school and back safely.
However, you might be surprised at how school buses have evolved on the safety front. The only thing you might really notice is the rise of cab-over-engine buses, which makes it easier for drivers to see children crossing in front. Even though the first big, boxy, bright buses were already safer than cars, we've had many safety innovations in school buses over the years. Those improvements are worth every penny. Read about the evolution -and the lack of it- in school buses at Jalopnik. -via Boing Boing
(Image credit: H. Michael Miley)
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