How should the overhead inside rearview mirror be positioned?

The overhead inside rearview mirror should be positioned so that you can see the top of the rear window reflected in the top portion of the mirror. This positioning allows the driver to have a clear and unobstructed view of the area directly behind the vehicle. Proper alignment ensures that the driver can quickly and easily check for vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in the rear without having to adjust their position or take their eyes off the road for an extended period.

This specific placement also helps the driver maintain a good field of vision while minimizing distractions. The rearview mirror is a vital safety tool for monitoring traffic behind and to the sides of the bus, which is especially important for school buses that regularly stop to pick up or drop off children.

In contrast, other positioning methods may not provide as effective visibility. For example, angling the mirror forward towards the dashboard would obscure the view of the rear, potentially leading to dangerous blind spots. While it’s beneficial to minimize blind spots, it's impractical to think that positioning the mirror could eliminate them entirely; blind spots exist due to large vehicle dimensions and cannot be eliminated solely by mirror adjustments. Additionally, any positioning that obstructs the driver’s view of the road or required controls may lead to unsafe driving conditions.