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In the realm of student transportation, safety is paramount. School buses are not just vehicles; they ensure the safety of our most precious cargo - our children.

As a trusted school bus dealer for over 60 years, we understand the critical role that safety regulations, standards and innovations play in ensuring the well-being of students. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of school bus safety, exploring the rigorous standards, unique regulations in Indiana, and the latest innovations that are making school buses safer than ever.

1. School Bus Safety Standards and Regulations

The cornerstone of school bus safety in the United States is the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). These are specifically tailored to school buses. They address various aspects of safety including structural integrity, emergency exits, lighting, and much more.

Key Aspects:

FMVSS 217: Emergency Exits - School buses must be equipped with multiple emergency exits to allow quick evacuation in case of an emergency. These exits are placed strategically and designed for easy operation.

FMVSS 220: School Bus Rollover Protection - This standard is in the realm of structural integrity. It is designed to minimize injuries in the event of a rollover accident.

FMVSS 222: School Bus Passenger Seating & Crash Protection - School buses must meet specific occupant protection requirements.

Specific Safety Standards in Indiana: Indiana imposes additional safety regulations. For example, the Rear Impact Zone and extra emergency exits. These may not be mandatory in other states.

2. New Innovations in Student Safety Features

In recent years, the school bus industry has undergone impactful innovations aimed at enhancing student safety during their daily commute.

Auto-Reversing Doors:

These doors are equipped with sensors that automatically detect obstacles. When an obstruction is detected, the doors automatically halt and reverse which prevents accidents during boarding and disembarking.

PV360 - Panoramic View Camera Systems:

These systems provide a 360 degree view of the bus’s surroundings, eliminating blind spots. This allows drivers to better navigate tight spots.

Intellipark by Bendix

This is an intelligent parking brake system that automatically engages when the bus comes to a stop. The goal of this system is to prevent rollaways and ensure student safety during stops.

As a school bus dealer committed to safety, we understand that each day, countless schools entrust the products we sell with their children’s well-being. Embracing innovative technologies like the ones discussed above, make us excited to see the continuous advancements and improvements in the school bus industry.

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