What is the primary purpose of a convex mirror on a school bus?

The primary purpose of a convex mirror on a school bus is to provide a good view of the roadway immediately in front of the school bus. Convex mirrors are designed to widen the field of view, allowing drivers to see more area than flat mirrors would. This is particularly important for a school bus, as it helps drivers be more aware of pedestrians, especially young children, who may be near the front of the bus when it is stopped to pick up or drop off students. By reflecting a larger area, convex mirrors reduce blind spots and enhance safety during these critical moments.

In contrast, while enhancing rear-view visibility is important for overall safety, it is not the specific primary purpose of a convex mirror. Giving drivers a good view of the surroundings is a broader statement that does not capture the specific nature of the mirror’s function on school buses. Reflecting warning signals is not a function of convex mirrors, as they are designed for visibility rather than signaling or alerting other road users.