A running board is a narrow step fitted under the side doors of a car or truck. It aids entry, especially into high vehicles, and is typical of vintage cars, which had much higher ground clearances than today's vehicles. It is also used as a fashion statement on vehicles that would not otherwise require it.
Running boards may also be used to stand on while the vehicle is moving. The name running board is also given to safety appliances for walking on rail cars.
Gangsters in the early 20th century used running boards to get a good aim at police officers, and rival gangsters. They stood on them while the getaway car was moving at high speed.
Read more about Running Board: Railroad Usage, See Also
Famous quotes containing the words running and/or board:
“I never thought I’d have such a luxurious life. A healthy husband ... beautiful little girl ... Jacuzzi and beer and fruitbowl and Beethoven and Mendelssohn and running.... Running is the best thing. [Ellipses in original]”
—Miki Gorman (b. 1935)
“She hears me strike the board and say
That she is under ban
Of all good men and women,
Being mentioned with a man
That has the worst of all bad names.”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)