Why Are There Black Stripes on School Buses?

Have you ever found yourself stuck behind a bright yellow school bus, your eyes wandering across its familiar features while waiting for the traffic to move? If so, you’ve probably noticed those distinctive black stripes running along its sides. They might seem like simple decorations, but these stripes – known in the transportation world as “rub rails” – play a fascinating role in keeping our children safe. As personal injury attorneys, we often come face to face with safety issues, particularly when it comes to protecting our children. These unassuming black lines are clever safety features that serve multiple life-saving purposes.

What Are the Black Stripes on School Buses Called?

The black stripes you see on the sides of school buses are commonly known as “rub rails.” These protective black rails are an essential feature of school bus design. Typically made from rubber or plastic, rub rails are designed to absorb impact and reduce damage to the bus body during minor collisions, such as when the bus brushes against another vehicle or a curb or pole.

The Reason for the Black Stripes on the Side of a School Bus

The primary purpose of rub rails is to enhance the safety and durability of the bus. They serve as a barrier to protect the bus’s exterior, helping to maintain its structural integrity over time. These black stripes are strategically placed and positioned at a height that minimizes the risk of damage to the bus while providing an extra layer of protection for the children inside.

Additionally, the color of the rub rails, typically black, is chosen for both aesthetic and practical reasons. The dark color tends to hide dirt and scratches, keeping the bus looking cleaner and well-maintained despite the rigors of daily use. It also provides a high contrast to the vibrant yellow school buses.

How Do the Black Stripes Improve Safety?

Rub rails contribute to the overall safety of school buses in several ways. First and foremost, they provide an added layer of protection to the thin walls of the bus, helping to prevent damage during low-speed impacts with other vehicles, guard rails, fence posts and other objects. These rub rails are important when the bus is maneuvering in tight spaces, such as school parking lots, or when picking up and dropping off children.

In the event of an accident, rub rails can also help prevent the intrusion of other vehicles into the passenger compartment. While they are not a foolproof solution, they may absorb some of the energy from a collision and help to deflect impacts away from the bus doors and windows, reducing the risk of injury to the children inside.

Furthermore, rub rails contribute to the visibility of the bus. The black color contrasts with the bright yellow of the bus, making it more noticeable to other drivers. Increased visibility is important for safety, as it alerts surrounding motorists to the presence of the bus, especially when it is stopped to pick up or drop off children.

And finally…

the rub rails are installed at specific locations along the side of the bus: the lowest is at floor level, the middle one aligns with the bottom of the seat level, also called the seat line, and the top one corresponds with the top of the seats and the bottom of the windows.

That means their functionality is two-fold. They provide additional protection and visual cues to firefighters and other first responders. Since emergency crews are aware of this layout, in the event of a crash, if they cannot access the doors or windows, they will know exactly where to cut into the sides of the bus. And if the impact from a crash is below the floor line rail, for example, that means it’s below the floor of the bus so the students may not have been badly injured.

Are All School Buses Required to Have Black Stripes?

While these highly recognizable black lines are standard on many school buses, they are not universally mandated across all jurisdictions. In the United States, school bus regulations vary by state, and each state has its standards for school bus safety and design.

For example, the law does not explicitly require rub rails in Pennsylvania. However, many school districts choose to equip their buses with these protective, eye-catching features as part of their commitment to safety. Similarly, other states may have guidelines that encourage or require the use of rub rails to enhance the safety of school buses.

Commitment to Safety

Despite the lack of a national requirement, the presence of rub rails has become a standard practice in many regions, reflecting a broader commitment to ensuring the safety of school transportation. School districts and transportation agencies understand the importance of protecting our children, and equipping buses with rub rails is just one of the many measures taken to create a safer environment.

Rub rails play an important role in enhancing the safety and durability of these vehicles. By providing a barrier against minor collisions and increasing visibility for other drivers, rub rails contribute to the overall safety of school transportation. While not all school buses are required to have black stripes, many districts choose to incorporate them as part of their commitment to protecting our children.

Munley Law, Advocating for the Safety of School Children

As a personal injury law firm, the accident attorneys at Munley Law are dedicated to advocating for the safety of children and ensuring that all measures are taken to protect them on the road. Understanding the importance of these safety features helps parents make informed decisions and underscores the significance of holding negligent parties accountable in personal injury cases. Your child’s safety matters.

If you have questions about school bus safety or have experienced an accident involving a school bus, reach out to our experienced school bus accident team at Munley Law for guidance and support.