Why Are School Buses Yellow? The Science Behind the Colour Choice

school buses are painted yellow for safety reasons—yellow is highly visible in all lighting conditions, making buses easier to spot and reducing accidents.

The yellow colour of school buses isn’t just a design choice—it’s based on science and safety. The tradition dates back to 1939, when educators, transport experts, and paint manufacturers in the United States met to standardize school bus designs. They chose a specific shade known today as “School Bus Yellow” because of its high visibility and safety benefits.

This yellow shade stands out more than any other colour in various light conditions, especially during early mornings and late afternoons when students usually travel to and from school. Human eyes are particularly sensitive to yellow wavelengths, allowing people to notice the colour quickly even in low-light or foggy situations. The combination of yellow paint with bold black lettering for the school’s name or route information also provides strong contrast, making it easier for other drivers to read from a distance.

Another practical reason for this colour choice is visibility from different angles. Yellow is more easily detected in peripheral vision than darker shades or cooler tones like blue or green. This helps other road users spot a school bus faster, reducing the chances of accidents.

Globally, many countries, including India, have followed this standard because of its proven effectiveness. In India, the Motor Vehicles Act mandates that school buses be painted yellow and display clear black markings with the word “SCHOOL BUS” to ensure safety and recognition. The uniform colour allows police, parents, and drivers to identify school transport easily on crowded roads.

So, the reason every school bus is yellow isn’t tradition—it’s science and safety combined. The colour helps protect students by ensuring that school buses remain visible, recognizable, and readable in all weather and traffic conditions.

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