What is an essential safety feature of school buses in North Carolina?

An essential safety feature of school buses in North Carolina is the presence of emergency exits designed for evacuating students. These exits provide critical egress points in the event of an emergency, ensuring that children can quickly and safely exit the bus if needed. Emergency exits typically include rear doors, side doors, and windows that can be easily accessed and opened, facilitating a rapid evacuation process. Given the primary purpose of a school bus—to transport students safely—having well-marked and functional emergency exits is a crucial aspect of overall bus safety regulations and practices, particularly in the context of protecting children during transportation.

The other options, while they may enhance the comfort or appeal of students riding the bus, do not define essential safety features. Air conditioning is focused on passenger comfort rather than safety, entertainment systems are primarily for engagement during travel, and leather seats, although durable, do not significantly contribute to the safety measures that a school bus must uphold.