Have you ever wondered why school buses are always yellow? Some people may argue that they are actually orange. Let's delve deeper into this topic and discover the truth.
The Origin of Yellow School Buses
The history of school buses dates back to the early 1900s, where they were first introduced to transport children to and from school. These buses were originally painted in various colors, including green, blue, and even white. However, in 1939, a man named Frank Cyr conducted a nationwide survey to determine the most visible color for school buses. The results showed that yellow was the most visible color, and it was also associated with caution and safety. From then on, school buses were painted in a standard shade of yellow, known as "National School Bus Chrome Yellow".
Why Some People Think School Buses are Orange
Despite the official color of school buses being yellow, some people may argue that they are actually orange. This is because over time, the yellow paint on school buses can fade and become more of an orange hue. Additionally, some bus manufacturers may use a different shade of yellow, which can appear more orange-like in certain lighting conditions.
The Importance of School Bus Color
The color of school buses is not just a matter of aesthetics. It serves an important safety function, especially on the road. The bright yellow color of school buses makes them highly visible from afar, even in low light conditions. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents involving school buses and other vehicles on the road.
Other Safety Features of School Buses
In addition to their bright color, school buses are also designed with several other safety features. For example, they have a stop sign that extends from the side of the bus when it stops to pick up or drop off students. This alerts other drivers to stop and wait until the bus continues on its way. School buses also have flashing lights that warn other drivers when the bus is about to stop or start moving.
The Future of School Bus Color
While yellow has been the standard color for school buses for many years, there have been recent calls to change it to green. The reason for this is that green is associated with environmental friendliness and sustainability. However, this proposal has not gained much traction, as yellow remains the most visible and recognizable color for school buses.
In Conclusion
So, are school buses yellow or orange? The answer is clear - they are officially yellow, but their color may vary over time and in different lighting conditions. Regardless of their exact shade, school buses play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of students on the road.