Why is it that when an american school bus opens its doors, a long pole moves out from underneath the front of the bus?
2007-03-01 09:48:01 · 14 answers · asked by bexbickles 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
I think its called a crossing arm
2007-03-01 09:57:30 · update #1
So the kids have to walk round the pole and the driver can see them
If it wasn't there - they might walk so close to the bus they are underneath the window and the driver can'r see them = one flat child
2007-03-01 09:51:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's another safety feature of these vehicles. The pole swings out to force children to walk around it, so they become visible to the driver. Other safety features include roof mounted white flashing lights which are turned on when children are being carried, red flashing lights which come on when the bus is loading / unloading, and the swing-out stop sign to emphasise the law.
It is illegal to pass a school bus when it is loading or unloading, except under certain circumstances.
Yet another safety feature is a law which requires school buses to stop at railroad crossings and open the door to check that no trains are approaching before proceeding over the crossing.
2007-03-01 19:36:17 · answer #2 · answered by Andy M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tom H has the right answer. Not all buses have them, but they force kids, who have to walk around the front of the bus to get to their driveways, to walk far enough in front that the bus driver can see them. If a 3-4 foot tall child walks along the front of the bus, they're in the driver's blind spot. The bar is in no way made to stop or divert automobile traffic. The people who think its there to stop traffic are probably thinking of the stop sign that swings off the driver's side of the bus, not the bar on the front.
2007-03-01 18:00:02 · answer #3 · answered by philthykid 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To make sure no one overtakes the bus. The rule is that no traffic should pass in either direction whilst the bus has it's STOP sign out. It is for the safety of the children and allows them to cross the road if necessary.
2007-03-01 17:56:51 · answer #4 · answered by suzy c 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I am thinking of the right kind of pole, it's to show other cars that the school bus is stopping. But I'd have to see the specific bus, you know?
2007-03-01 17:51:46 · answer #5 · answered by King Ebeneezer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My buses dont have that... But its Safety precautions.. its either for the Uncoming traffic to Know when to stop or for the students.. so they dnt walk to close to the bus.. so the driver can see you.. I only now this cuzz ive gooten in trouble for walking close to the bus.. Cuzz they can run you over and stuff like that...
But its safety Precautions just like Police.ems.stop signs.stop lights
2007-03-01 17:56:48 · answer #6 · answered by jenny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all American school busses have that pole. Those that do...have them to stop oncoming traffic from trying to zip past when they're supposed to be stopped.
2007-03-01 17:51:41 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa E 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to show that the bus has stopped and is off loading passengers, its illegal in US to overtake a school bus that is stopped and off loading
2007-03-01 17:55:31 · answer #8 · answered by minifreak 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it lets the kids have a grab rail to hold onto when the roads are icy.
2007-03-01 21:00:14 · answer #9 · answered by mister ss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To stop oncoming traffic!!
2007-03-01 17:50:11 · answer #10 · answered by molliehollie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋