Iowa Approves School Bus Crossing Light System

The system, created by former school bus mechanic Steve Gardner, uses a white LED flood light at the front of the bus to illuminate the path for students to cross the street and to make the students more visible to motorists.

Iowa is the 23rd state to allow the lighting system as optional school bus equipment. In June, Illinois became the 22nd state to approve the lighting system.

The Gardian Angel light automatically turns on when the red lights are activated and turns off when the entrance door of the bus is closed.

Iowa’s decision to approve the lighting system comes after the State Board of Education adopted a new rule to require lap-shoulder belts on all new school buses ordered by state school districts and state-accredited non-public schools as of Oct. 2. The requirement also extends to other safety equipment, such as one additional stop arm per bus, hand rails, exterior boarding lights, and fire-resistant crash barriers between the front bus seat and the bus driver, on new school buses.

For more information about the Gardian Angel lighting system, go here.