Frequently Asked Questions
Bus Safety, Inc is the proud creator of the Extended Stop Arm, a school bus safety device intended to eliminate stop arm violations. The Extended Stop Arm is an extension of the driver’s side stop sign that works in conjunction with the existing bus stop sign.
Purpose
Why do school systems need the Extended Stop Arm? Thousands of people illegally pass stopped school buses every day. In the United States this amounts to over 17 MILLION Stop Arm Violations annually. Too many children are killed or seriously injured due to Stop Arm Violations.
Are there any other products that actively alert drivers to the danger of passing a stopped school bus? No other products exist that actively prevent drivers from illegally passing a stopped bus.
The Product
What is the overall design of the Extended Stop Arm? It consists of a steel frame attaching to the bus at 3 points which provides protection for the original sign. An aluminum breakaway frame is mounted to the steel frame with 2 shear bolts.
How much does the Extended Stop Arm weigh? The aluminum extension sign and arm weighs only 7 pounds.
How far from the bus does the arm extend? The total length from the side of the bus is up to 6.5 feet.
Is the wiring harness a plug and play system? Yes. Wiring has connectors at both ends and feeds through the aluminum frame conduit.
How does wind affect the sign? The shear pins will withstand a 55-MPH wind gust.
Is there support for the arm to cover vibration as it travels along the road? Yes we have a vibration support near the end of the extension arm. Additionally, the arm is held tight against the bus by the electronic actuator.
Operation
How much training is required to operate the Extended Stop Arm? Minimal training is required given that the arm works on the same controls the the driver currently use. Drivers simply need to be mindful of the additional space that the sign will occupy.
What happens if someone hits the Extended Stop Arm? The extension arm is attached to the main bracket with shear pins that break if the sign is significantly hit.
How does the product handle vibration as it travels along the road? The arm is deployed and retrieved with a UL certified linear actuator arm or air cylinder. This mechanism securely holds the arm close to the bus when not in the extended position.
In the event of an accident, can the bus continue its route? Yes, the bus can continue and function with just the original sign until a new extension arm can be installed.
Installation and Maintenance
How long does it take to install the Extended Stop Arm? This aftermarket device is easily installed in less than 2 hours. With some training, most mechanics could install the product.
Is it compatible with any model bus? The product is designed to retrofit on practically any model school bus. The Extended Stop Arm has been installed on 5 different makes of buses of varying age.
Are the lights replaceable? Yes. Lights are individually replaced with a pin connection, thus saving money by not having to replace all the lights.
How often do the shear pins have to be replaced? This will depend on road conditions. Pins should be replaced every 3 months as it is difficult to determine if wear is apparent. The cost is a little over a $1.00 for a pair of shear pins.
Legal
Is it illegal to hit the Extended Stop Arm? Yes, the extension arm and sign is part of the school bus.
Is the school liable for damages caused by a motorist that hits the Extended Stop Arm? States have determined that it is illegal for any other vehicle to occupy the area in which the Extended Stop Arm extends. The offending vehicle is liable for damages to the sign or bus as well as their own vehicle.
Does the second sign meet Federal Specifications? Yes, the additional sign has the required size and coatings and reflectivity required to meet Federal School Bus standards – FMVSS 131.
Price
How much does the Extended Stop Arm cost? The MSRP for our units is from $2,800 to $3,000. Installation is a separate charge, which could be avoided by using your own mechanics. The Extended Stop Arm can easily be installed by a trained mechanic.
Warranty
Does Bus Safety Solutions offer a warranty for the Extended Stop Arm? Bus Safety Solutions offers a 5-year warranty on its product and material workmanship. This is supported by manufacturer warranties on the sign, lights, electronic board, and linear actuator. There is a 30-day warranty on the labor of installation.
Bus Safety Solutions
Who is Bus Safety Solutions? Bus Safety Solutions is located in North Carolina. The manufacturing is performed by insured sub-contractors in the United States, the majority of which is done in North Carolina. The product is then assembled in North Carolina by Bus Safety Solutions. Bus Safety Solutions carries both product liability and general liability insurance.
Contact JM Transportation Solutions for more information at sales@extendedstoparm.com.