Things are about to get a little brighter out there. International Motors announced yesterday that First Light Safety Products' illuminated school bus signs and fully illuminated stop arms are now standard on the Next Generation IC Bus Electric CE Series school buses.

Effective immediately, the two product options are available for factory install on all IC Bus school bus models currently on order and will be standard on all new Electric CE Series school bus orders moving forward. That standard position will expand to internal combustion engine CE Series unit orders in August 2025.  

First Light's products help improve visibility, which will bolster IC Bus in offering innovative features that lead to safer bus stops. 

“Safely transporting the children of our communities is a responsibility that IC Bus takes incredibly seriously. When IC Bus introduced the Next Generation of the CE Series in July 2023, it was clear that safety was our number one priority,” said Charles Chilton, new VP and GM of IC Bus. "The improved driver visibility and dash-integrated safety systems were just a step in the journey. Making these First Light products standard equipment was a natural progression, considering their visibility impacts.”

First Light’s illuminated products have proven to reduce stop arm violations by enhancing motorists’ recognition and reaction times as they approach a stopped school bus. Both are visible beyond 1,000 feet and readable beyond 300 feet, giving oncoming motorists additional visibility and time to stop.

2025 Trend to Watch: School Bus Safety