Is school bus yellow actually orange?

Is School Bus Yellow Actually Orange?

In the United States, school buses are painted with a distinctive yellow-orange hue. This unique color, neither pure yellow nor orange, is a hybrid shade that combines the vibrancy of yellow with the warmth of orange. The specific color of school buses is regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is known as “National School Bus Glossy Yellow.”

The exact shade of yellow-orange used for school buses was chosen for several reasons. First, it is highly visible, making school buses easily recognizable by both drivers and pedestrians. The bright color helps to draw attention to the bus, increasing the likelihood that other vehicles will yield and allow children to board or disembark safely.

Second, the yellow-orange color is associated with caution and danger. This is an important consideration since school buses transport young children who are particularly vulnerable in traffic. The color serves as a warning to other drivers that they need to be especially alert around school buses.

In addition to its visibility and safety benefits, the yellow-orange color of school buses is also practical. The color is highly resistant to fading, making it less likely that the buses will need to be repainted frequently. It is also relatively easy to clean, which is important for vehicles that are used to transport children.

While the color of school buses is often referred to as “yellow,” it is technically a hybrid shade of yellow and orange. This unique color was carefully chosen to enhance the visibility and safety of school buses, and it has been an integral part of school transportation for decades.