Photo by Bill McChesney
When looking for a bus, you will almost certainly be asked how many people you plan to transport with your vehicle. But, some salespeople will forget to ask about another key detail: who are the people you will be moving in your bus?
School buses are commonly used for more than transporting students. Churches, businesses, and enterprising individuals frequently put restored school buses to use. But, you don’t want to get a bus that can’t fit everyone you need. School buses capacity is measured using a very specific size person, and the number of people that will actually fit safely and comfortably in each bus may not be the same as the listed capacity.
School bus manufacturers determine the maximum seating capacity of a school bus based on two factors. The first factor is federal regulations that specify the maximum number of persons that can sit on a single school bus seat. The second number which establishes the capacity of individual buses is based on sitting three small elementary school students per standard 39-inch bus seat.
This capacity is used to determine the gross vehicle weight and the number of emergency exits. So, not only can trying to squeeze too many people into a bus be uncomfortable. it can be dangerous.
If you plan on using your bus to carry adults or even older teens, it is better to plan on sitting two people within each seat, even if regulations require three seat belts. Make sure your bus retailer is aware that you won’t be transporting young students and establish the bus size that will actually fit your needs.
Remember, federal law mandates that all passengers be seated entirely within school bus seats while the bus is in motion. School buses are designed so that passengers are as safe as possible, even if they neglect to wear a seat belt. This is why bus seats are made with strong materials covered in energy-absorbing materials. Believe it or not, this is also why bus seats are typically closely spaced.
If your passengers aren’t all able to fit safely within the seats due to overcrowding, your bus still isn’t complying with federal law and your passengers will be at unnecessary risk in the case of an accident.
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Address: 12802 North 103rd E Ave, Collinsville, OK 74012
