Ever Wondered Why School Buses Are Always Yellow? Here’s The Reason

School life is the most cherished and shaping period of every individual’s life. It is where we not only study subjects such as mathematics and science but also learn valuable lessons on the importance of friendship, discipline, and teamwork. From morning assemblies and lunch hours to sports days and annual functions, every moment brings a special charm to our schooldays.

However, one of the largest aspects of school life that goes unseen is the school bus, a shiny yellow vehicle that holds infinite tales daily. For most students, the ride to and from school is the start and end of their day. It is a place where children laugh, swap snacks, make hurried edits to their homework, and sing aloud with friends. Aside from the amusement, the school bus symbolizes security and dependability. But have you ever wondered why school buses are always yellow? Not many know, but there is a hidden reason behind it. So, let’s get to know about it.

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Why are school buses always yellow?

School buses are predominantly yellow for visibility and safety, but there’s a deeper reason behind this simple choice of color. The vibrant yellow color is not only bright but also scientifically demonstrated to be one of the most visually striking colors for the human eye. Yellow wavelengths are treated faster by our eyes when light enters them compared to most other colors, and the brain is therefore able to identify yellow sooner. This is why it is the best color for buses that transport children, as it can be seen from afar, even during fog, rain, or low light in the early morning.

Another fascinating fact is that the yellow color is very noticeable in peripheral vision, so even when a driver is not specifically facing the bus, the yellow still catches the attention of the corners of their vision. This makes it easier for other drivers to spot a school bus sooner than they would a car of any other color and to slow down or come to a stop before reaching it. In comparison with red, which might appear flashy but still blends with backgrounds more readily and is only noticeable when viewed directly, yellow retains visibility from various directions.

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The history behind the yellow color of school buses

The practice of painting school buses yellow began in 1939 in the United States of America. Frank W. Cyr, a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York, called a conference in April 1939 that resulted in the establishment of 44 universal national criteria for school bus design, construction, and safety in America. One of these standards was the color of the outside body.

The yellow-orange color was chosen because black text was best visible in low light. Additionally, it was noticeable from a distance and unique enough to become linked with school buses. After this, Cyr was dubbed the ‘Father of the Yellow School Bus.’

Due to corporate ties to the American industry, buses of a similar color were soon introduced in several regions of the United Kingdom. Perhaps this, coupled with the United Kingdom’s global imperial hegemony, was the reason behind its widespread adoption. For this reason, the majority of nations, including India, have decided to utilize the same color for their school buses and vans.

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