This paper emphasizes the upgrading of basic brake systems on school buses resulting from recent agreement by manufacturers on a minimum level of performance by which they will certify the total vehicle brake system. A review of the current status of service brake systems is presented, along with a summary of the various dual and emergency braking systems available for both hydraulic and air braked vehicles. Although several of these systems will provide school buses with adequate dual or secondary systems, they must be intelligently engineered and applied to provide the adequate stopping capability.
