Using LED Technology on Buses
By: Tom Palumboy

The utilization of Light Emitting Diode (LEDs) technology on school buses has many safety and maintenance benefits.

A 2002 study comparison of incandescent and LED rear lamp reaction time conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (2002-01-0379) illustrates the safety benefits of LED signal lighting. As LED lamps are becoming main stream in the school bus industry, in both 7" round and 4" round signal lighting applications, the study provides relevant support to this transition in technology.

One of the major benefits of LED lighting is the instant on time when compared to incandescent lighting. The study found that with incandescent lighting, from circuit switch to full lamp illumination is, at best, 200 milliseconds. With LED technology, from circuit switch to full lamp illumination is approximately 30 milliseconds. This time reduction results in an extra 22 feet of stopping distance at 60 miles per hour. This is a key safety benefit in congested traffic conditions and can decrease the incidents of rear end collisions in many instances. Most of what a trailing motorists sees when incandescent tail lamps are illuminating is warm-up and cool-down time of the filament behind the lens. The semiconductor technology found with LED lighting does not require warm-up or cool-down time.

Another safety benefit associated with LED lighting technology is the increased visibility in all inclement weather conditions as well as bright sunny days. The increased intensity of LEDs is evident to those who have utilized or tested the technology. Depending on the type and quantity of diodes used in the signal lamp, LED signal lamps can vastly exceed the overall light output of filament technology.

The maintenance benefits of LED technology are also very evident to those that have utilized or tested the technology. Although LED lamps cost more initially, when you factor in the elimination of maintenance and bus downtime due to repairs or replacement of bulbs, LED lamps are less expensive over the life of the bus. Imagine a life where your maintenance technician no longer has to spend countless hours over the course of a school year on menial tasks like changing bulbs or climbing ladders to change out a single marker light.

When you factor in lifecycle costs, such as the technician's valuable time as well as the downtime of the vehicle that needs to be on a route, the initial cost of LED lamps seems to no longer be a factor.

Tom Palumbo is the vice president of sales and marketing for SoundOff Signal, www.soundoffsignal.com .