School Board of Highlands County Invests in First Light Safety Technology
The School Board of Highlands County is committed to student safety and has recently purchased new school buses equipped with First Light Safety illuminated school bus signs and stop arms. This advanced technology is designed to significantly improve visibility, reduce illegal passing, and better protect students as they board and exit the school bus.
What Is First Light Safety?
First Light Safety systems feature illuminated “SCHOOL BUS” signs and stop arms that are engineered to be as bright and attention‑grabbing as emergency vehicle lighting. Unlike traditional reflective signage, these illuminated signs actively project light, ensuring the school bus warning message is unmistakable to approaching motorists.
Why This Matters for Safety
First Light’s illuminated school bus signs are a critical safety enhancement because they:
Increase Visibility: The illuminated signage dramatically improves visibility in low‑light conditions, bad weather, fog, dawn/dusk, and nighttime driving.
Provide More Reaction Time: Motorists can see, recognize, and understand that a school bus is stopping sooner, giving them more time to slow down and stop.
Reduce Illegal Passing: By eliminating ambiguity and clearly signaling a stopped school bus, these systems help reduce illegal passing violations.
Protect Students: Enhanced visibility directly supports safer boarding and exiting for students when they are most vulnerable.
Emergency‑Level Clarity for School Buses
First Light technology makes school bus warning systems comparable in brightness and clarity to emergency vehicle lights. This level of illumination:
Commands immediate driver attention
Improves compliance with stop laws
Reinforces the seriousness of school bus safety requirements
A Smart and Cost‑Effective Investment
By preventing confusion, reducing violations, and lowering the risk of accidents, First Light Safety systems are a cost‑effective solution that supports the School Board’s mission to safeguard students, drivers, and the community.
Our Commitment
The School Board of Highlands County remains dedicated to using proven safety innovations to protect students every day. The addition of First Light illuminated school bus signs and stop arms reflects our ongoing commitment to student safety, proactive prevention, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Together, we can help ensure safe rides for every student, every day.