School buses used to be orange before they changed them to yellow for visibility

**School Buses: From Orange to Yellow for Increased Visibility**

School buses, an iconic symbol of the daily commute for students, play a crucial role in ensuring their safe transportation to and from school. Over the years, school buses have undergone various changes to enhance their visibility and improve safety standards. One noticeable transformation was the shift from the traditional orange color to the vibrant yellow hue we see today.

**The Origins of Orange**

In the early 1930s, school buses were originally painted orange. Why orange? It was believed to be the most visible color, especially in rural areas where students had to be picked up along open roads or on farms. This color choice aimed to ensure that approaching buses were easily spotted, preventing accidents and keeping children safe as they waited for their ride.

While the orange color provided some level of visibility, a pressing need for further improvement arose as road traffic increased and safety concerns became more significant.

**The Transition to Yellow**

In 1939, a crucial development occurred when Dr. Frank W. Cyr, a professor at Columbia University, organized a conference to establish standards for school transportation. This conference, known as the National Conference on School Transportation (NCST), brought together experts, educators, and industry leaders to discuss various aspects of school bus safety.

One of the major topics discussed at the NCST was the color of school buses. After much deliberation, the attendees decided to adopt a new color: National School Bus Chrome Yellow, also known as “school bus yellow.” This particular shade of yellow was chosen for its outstanding visibility and ability to stand out from other vehicles on the road.

The transition from orange to yellow proved to be a significant improvement in terms of safety. The vivid yellow color allowed approaching school buses to be noticed from a greater distance, alerting drivers to slow down and exercise caution on the road.

**The Impact on Safety**

Changing the color of school buses to yellow significantly improved visibility and reduced the number of accidents involving school children. Studies have shown that the bright yellow color of school buses increases the likelihood of drivers noticing them, thus reducing the chances of collisions or other hazardous incidents.

Additionally, school bus drivers have mentioned that the yellow color helps in keeping the attention of students waiting for the bus, making it easier for drivers to spot them and ensuring a smooth and safe boarding process.

**Continued Importance of Yellow School Buses**

The transition from orange to yellow has stood the test of time, with school buses continuing to be painted in the recognizable shade of yellow. This coloring, combined with other safety measures such as stop arms, flashing lights, and additional mirrors, contributes to the overall safety of school transportation.

It is crucial to prioritize the safety of students, and the distinct yellow color ensures that school buses are easily identifiable, promoting caution among other drivers on the road.

In conclusion, the decision to change the color of school buses from orange to yellow was a significant milestone in enhancing the visibility and safety of these beloved vehicles. The vibrant yellow hue has become a universally recognized symbol, signifying the importance of safeguarding the well-being of our children during their daily commutes.

Source: National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures