When driving a bus, why is it important to be especially cautious of the vehicle's height and to know clearances?

BUS HEIGHT AND CLEARANCE: Buses are tall vehicles, and the driver must be aware of clearances. RISKS: Striking overpasses, bridges, tunnels, drive-through canopies, parking structure entrances, fuel station canopies, tree branches, awnings, or other low structures; such strikes damage the bus (roof, AC units, etc.) and can injure passengers; KNOW YOUR HEIGHT: The driver must know the bus's height and compare it to posted clearance signs; WATCH FOR: Low-clearance warning signs; posted heights at bridges, tunnels, and structures; situations where the surface (snow/ice buildup, repaving) may have reduced the actual clearance below the posted height; ROUTE PLANNING: Choose routes appropriate for the vehicle's height; avoid low-clearance hazards; CAUTION at unfamiliar locations, drive-throughs, and overhead obstructions; STRIKES: Bridge/overpass strikes are serious incidents — they damage infrastructure and the vehicle and can cause injuries; the driver is responsible for knowing the vehicle dimensions and avoiding clearance hazards; height awareness is important for all tall CMVs, and especially for buses carrying passengers; this is part of safe route planning and operation tested in CDL training.