What is the requirement for mirrors on a school bus?

The requirement for mirrors on a school bus is that they must include flat and crossview mirrors, along with an interior mirror. This configuration is crucial for ensuring the safety of the bus driver and the students. Flat mirrors allow the driver to see a wider area behind the bus, which is particularly important when backing up or changing lanes. Crossview mirrors provide additional visibility of the area immediately in front of the bus and to the sides, helping the driver detect any obstacles or children who may be in danger. The interior mirror enhances the driver's ability to monitor the interior of the bus while maintaining awareness of the exterior environment.

Having only one rearview mirror or standard car side mirrors would not supply adequate coverage or safety awareness necessary for a school bus, which operates in environments where children are frequently present. No mirrors being required would obviously compromise safety standards and violate regulations that mandate specific safety equipment for school buses. Therefore, the combination of flat, crossview, and interior mirrors is essential to support the driver's responsibilities and to protect the welfare of the students.