Month: March 2017

Trackschoolbus Video Crosses 10,000 Views!

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

We are happy to announce that our video for school bus tracking software have crossed 10,000 views. Missing the school bus is not a new issue for students and parents. The video explains how the tracking system helps a student who missed the school bus by chance.

Video:

 



 

Obviously, both parents and child get tensed when such a situation occurs. With our software we are able to reduce unnecessary tension and provide peace of mind to everyone.

Read Also:

Trackschoolbus Online Hardware Shopping Site Coming Soon!

Through the video, we are able to convince the benefits of using our school bus tracking software. Student safety is our top priority and we are able to ensure it via our unique tracking software.

Trackschoolbus Online Hardware Shopping Site Coming Soon!

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

We are launching an online hardware shopping site that deals with products such as GPS trackers. The move was taken by Trackschoolbus for improving the hardware shopping experience of customers.

Hardware such as tracking hardware, RFID card reader, and RFID card are available here. Customers can explore hardware provided by multiple vendors.  The shopping site would allow users to compare and select the most appropriate hardware for their purpose. After choosing the apt one, they can proceed to payment procedures without much dismay.

Read Also:

Roxbury Students Gets School Bus Safety Lessons

The most important thing is that shopping process becomes much easier and convenient for our regular customers including school and college managements. And it is expected to launch it in the beginning of April 2017. Count down begins.

Road Safety Tips for Different Types of Road Users

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

A historic move towards reducing the number of traffic accidents by fifty percent all over the world was taken by the 2200 delegates from various countries at the Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety dated November 25, 2015. India was a part of this key initiative which aimed to rethink its stand on the transport policies and to revamp them to favour sustainable modes of transport over other means. 

The key concerns are enforcement of road safety rules and regulations for the larger benefit of the people in a society facing challenges like increased transportation and lack of public awareness.  Road safety tips taken at the appropriate situations and by people can reduce the accident rates considerably. 

Read Also: 

Is Road Safety Education Necessary for Children

Road safety rules and regulations have outlined the measures to reduce the risk of civilians getting injured or killed while on roads. Road users include motorists, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users, etc. 

1. Tips for motorists

The roads are built primarily for the transport of motor vehicles and the first priority goes to them, but not always.

a. Obey Road safety rules and regulations stipulated for motor vehicles at all times

b. Look for the traffic signs before you cross signals 

c. Drive within the speed limits prescribed. Ideally one should drive at approximately not more than 30 kmph near busy places such as markets and residential areas

d. Don’t forget to wear helmets while driving. Helmets should be ISI marked and buckled properly

e. Keep vehicle fit. A sudden breakdown of the vehicle while on the road can cause hardships not only to you but also to fellow road users and traffic personnel. Besides, towing a four wheeler to a garage for maintenance works from the middle of the road can cost you a lot. This can be avoided if you regularly check and take care of your vehicle.

f. Stop or slow your vehicle and allow the pedestrians to cross roads at unmanned / unsignalled Zebra crossings

g. Always wear seat belts while driving four wheelers 

h. Avoid rash/negligent driving

i. Don’t drink and drive. It can lead to death

j. Avoid using mobile phones while driving. It is not advisable to talk on mobile even when stopping at signals. Accidents are more common when motorists tend to ride fast at the signals when it turns green. They often tend to ignore the oncoming vehicles or the signal changes while talking on the mobile. In case you want to pick up an urgent call, park the vehicle to the side of the road and put the brake lights on, and allow other motorists to pass by. 

k. While crossing unmanned railway lines, be sure to think of safety first. 

l. It is ideal for taxis, school buses, auto rickshaws etc. which need to alight or drop passengers to keep to the left of the road so as to not cause discomfort to other road users. Also, put on the brake lights before stopping so that the vehicles behind can avoid a collision. 

m. Install GPS trackers and monitors. You can avoid stopping at every turns and asking for the right directions to other road users. Such actions can cause trouble for other road users and tend to consume your precious time and fuel. 

You May Also Like: 

TrackSchoolBus Launches Upgraded Driver Console App

2. Tips for pedestrians:

a. Use sidewalks wherever possible.

b. Always use zebra markings to cross the road

c. Don’t text while walking

d. Avoid playing games while on busy roads. A simple moment of distraction can lead to disasters. For example, the virtual game Pokemon Go has caused around 1, 10,000 deaths in the first 10 days of its release in U.S. With the virtual reality games coming up in developing countries with poorer road conditions and reduced enforcement of traffic rules primarily due to lack of adequate personnel.,  the numbers might still be higher. 

e. Jaywalking should be avoided. 

f. While travelling with children, hold their hands firmly and keep them close 

g. Teach young kids about road safety rules and regulations so that they can understand and follow them

h. Set the right example for children by following the road safety rules

TrackSchoolBus Launches Upgraded Driver Console App

Posted on by TSB Super Admin


Hurrah!! we're launching an upgraded version of our Driver Console App. A number of our clients and prospects were confused with the mobile and tablet versions of the app. So we decided to combine both their features and release it as a single app.

This new version is a complete trip management app.  As the same app is now available on mobile as well as tablet, it allows drivers to access the app without any confusion.
It is a useful version for transport managers as they obtain details such as kilometres covered, details of finished trip, vehicle speed, etc. As per these details, school authorities can provide ranks to drivers.

Read Also:

Why is the Driver Console App a Necessity for Schools?

In addition to above benefits, there are a number of other valuable features including:

  • Error-free attendance management system
  • Easy scheduling of instant trips
  • Data storage (everything related to trip such as route, pick-up point, etc.)
  • Next destination details
  • Quick creation and update of new pick up points
  • Trip history details
  • Announcement of next trip
  • Real-time notification
  • Automatic school announcements
  • Chat facility
  • Birthday wishes for school bus students
  • CCTV Footage for drivers
  • Automatic leave update
  • Over speed Alert
  • Welcome message for each student

We are excited about this new app. It is definitely a positive step towards TrackSchoolBus' ultimate aim – 100% safe school buses. The launch of the app is not the final word though. There would be constant improvisation as we try to implement new ideas, and more importantly, listen to feedback from the Drivers and Transport managers themselves.

If you want to check out the app, here's the link – Driver Console

Is Road Safety Education Necessary for Children

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

Are road safety awareness programs only for the age groups above 18? It might seem natural to implement lessons for that age group since it provides assistance to people  behind the wheels. However, such lessons should be given from a much younger age considering the present circumstances. Such lessons are needed because of many reasons.

1.Children being more independent

The need for such road safety awareness for children often stems from the single major fact kid's level of intelligence, coupled with their independence had given them access to motor vehicles at a far younger age than it used to be in the past. This has in turn resulted in a greater need of safety  lessons to be taught from a much earlier age than the prescribed minimal age for driving. Such lessons make children aware of the legal implications for driving without a license as well as the hazards of dangerous driving. These lessons also teach them about road safety measures while being a pedestrian.

Read Also:

5 Simple Ways India Can Improve Road Safety

2. Rise in the number of working parents

It is common for both the parents to be working. ASO, the transport needs of their children are usually met by private or public transport facilities. Older children and teenagers resort to the use of two-wheelers such as bicycles. For them, awareness lessons taught properly can reduce the risk of untoward incidents on the road.

3.Increased number of single parents

As a result of increased number of divorced or single parents, children are often forced to be independent in school transportation. Road safety lessons, taught along with the curriculum can, therefore, help them to be safer and to grow as law abiding citizens in future.

4. Access to vehicles

Easy access to gadgets and technology can also mean easy access to vehicles. Teenagers are often attracted to racing bikes. Passion for such risky sports without a legal permit can, therefore, force them to adhere to illegal racing stunts often without much safety precautions. Road safety awareness programs can be implemented along with the traffic personnel which can curb such illegal practices and emphasizes the need for protective gears and proper precautionary measures.

5. Kids learn fast

Road safety  lessons taught at the proper age and manner can bring drastic changes in their lives. If properly taught from a young age, this can result in a future generation driving sensibly and abiding the laws. These safety lessons can, therefore, be considered as life skills needed for ethical driving for the society as a whole.

6. Children use the roads

Yes, road safety lessons are needed for children just because they also use the roads. It is their right to be aware of the safety measures provided by their parents and school authorities. Such lessons can help them to avoid dangerous situations while on the roads. Last, but not least is the greatest peace and happiness of the parents as they are being proud of their sensible and knowledgeable kids.

You May Also Like:

30 Essential Road Safety Rules in India

7. Children learn from their parents and elders

With traffic violations being on the rise, children might tend to think that it is normal practice. For example, as more and more young generation avoid wearing helmet while riding two wheelers for convenience or fashion, kids might tend to believe that helmet is not necessary for being safe while riding. Such wrong beliefs can be difficult to change and can invite unwanted risks.

8. Kids lack the ability to accurately judge distance and speed

Children lack the sense to accurately judge distances and speeds like adults. Such miscalculations can often result in rush hour decisions at crucial times; for example, while crossing the road. Such situations can prove fatal if the crossing lacks a traffic signal and in the absence of traffic personnel. Road safety education can help children to be cautious in such situations and help them to make decisions appropriately and safely.

5 Simple Ways India Can Improve Road Safety

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

Have you ever wondered why road accidents are more in India? It is a known fact that road accidents are the leading cause of deaths in India. Indian roads are a nightmare for drivers. Majority of Indian roads are in miserable condition and  during rainy season, they are completely catastrophic.

According to the 2014 survey, it was found that most of the road related deaths in India are caused by humps, speed breakers, and potholes. 11, 400 people died due to pathetic road conditions and about 4100 people died as a result of crashes on the roads undergoing repairs or construction works.

Here are the 5 simple ways by which road safety in India can be improved:

Must Read:

 30 Essential Road Safety Rules in India

1. Proper construction of roads

If the roads are constructed with space for pavements, bus bays, and smoother bends, chances for road accidents will be reduced. Ditches are a chronic problem that spoils Indian roads. They should be immediately taken care of.  This will considerably reduce the accident rates and extra expenses on road repairs.

2.   Implementation of the road safety laws

Quite often, road accidents are caused by violation of road safety rules. When rules are strictly implemented, this problem can be solved easily. Placing police officials at various points may not work every time. Instead, you can seek the aid of traffic technologies such as ticket analysers, speed guns, and breath analysers. 

3.  Monitoring of roads

When you start monitoring the roads through CCTV cameras, certain traffic violations such as violating speed limits, motorcyclists without helmets, people not following road safety rules, etc. can be reduced, as they have a feeling that they are being watched. 

Otherwise, you can replace obsolete systems with modern traffic solutions. Some of the benefits of using modern technologies in traffic are as follows:

  • Cost effective
  • Save energy and manual labour
  • Smoother operations
  • Improve road safety

4. Quick response time

Usually when an accident happens, the response time is too long, which eventually leads to the death of the victim. The system being slow and disorganized, there is a chance for more casualties.

If the CCTV cameras are integrated with intelligent solutions, traffic officials will be able to get real-time data and with that information, they can take immediate action at emergency situations. Road safety awareness can also help traffic and transportation departments to smoothly overcome the adverse situations on the road.

You May Also Like: 

Road Safety Tips that can Avoid Accidents and Save Your Life

5. Phone booths and health centres

Though people have smart phones in their possession, they often face network issue. Poor network is a common issue found in highways. Hence, phone booths can be of great help to people as they can quickly contact the relevant authorities, especially, in the case of accidents. 

A health centre can be constructed on highways that help you to provide first aid to accident victims before admitting them to the hospital. In addition to this, you can also arrange mobile emergency services for highways in order to reduce the road accident rates and thereby, enhance road safety.

Implementation of technology on Indian roads can help you to have a safe and smoother public transit service. Cities and suburbs are increasing in number, and so is the number of vehicles on the road. Receiving road safety education at the right time will also help to improve road safety. Road safety education must be made a part of school curriculum. Also, conducting awareness programs for people will help you to achieve the road safety goal. 

Trends in School Transportation Management

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

In the past few years, educational field has greatly been influenced by Information technology. School transportation management is an area where a number of IT companies focus on. Most of the entrepreneurs consider this as a good opportunity and thus, make innovative products to solve the school transportation issues.

Some of the key trends in school transportation management that can capture the attention in the coming years are as follows:

Recap: 

9 Qualities of a Great School Bus Transportation System

  • Route Optimization

Now, it is not difficult for us to think about organizing school bus routes, bus stops and then, allocating students to their respective bus stops. One can automatically build optimized routes, resolve the most appropriate bus stops and match students to those stops based on their addresses.

  • School Bus Tracking

Now, people are more interested in keeping track of school buses during their movement. Many schools have started implementing the school bus tracking software for effective school transportation management.

The software helps transport managers to effectively manage fleet of buses, tackle emergency situations properly and create weekly reports regarding school transportation management.

  • School Bus Attendance

Due to working hours and tight schedules, parents will have great concern about their child's safety in transportation. In order to put a stop to this worry, schools have implemented software that provides instant notifications to parents whenever their child gets on or off the school bus.

With apps like driver console drivers are able to know whether any particular child is missing from the bus. The app will have details regarding each student and their assigned stops, which help the drivers to instantly recognize them. School management, thus guarantees a secure and risk-free transportation to students.

  • Tracking App for Parents

From morning to evening, parents will be worried about their child and eagerly wait for the school bus to arrive. When there are unfavourable weather conditions, the situation gets worse. School management can tackle such situations by providing an app that enables the the parents to track their child's school bus in real time and thus, reach the bus stop in time.

Once a child boards the school bus with tracking, parents are able to see the real-time location along with route which helps them to plan accordingly. They are also able to manage more than one child with a single app.

You May also Like:

School Bus Transportation: Is Bullying a Serious Concern?

  • Tracking App for Transport Managers

With the help of the transport manager app, transport managers are able to have exclusive control of the school bus. App avoids even minor possibilities of accidents or mishaps that can happen in the school transportation service.

Transport managers are able to communicate with the driver whenever they feel a need for that. Using the app, they are able to schedule school bus trips easily. New pick up points can be built and assigned. Also, it is possible to update if there are any bus stop relocations.

  • Tracking App for Bus Attendant

This app includes a complete attendance management system which helps to reduce attendance flaws. Manual way of collecting attendance is usually a tedious task and is prone to errors. Each and every minute detail is considered in the attendant app.

Drivers are able to instantly get notification, along with the contact details and a picture of the child. They get exact direction of the trip and the confirmed trip paves way to trip history.

  • Live camera feed

With the help of cameras, drivers obtain live camera feed of students inside the school bus. Drivers can view this feed via their own console. This helps them to save time, thereby adding comfort, convenience and safety.

  • Geofencing

Parents as well as school authorities can restrict the movement of school bus to a particular area. They will get instant notification if at all school bus enter the restricted area. Parents can also set their own boundary by using the geofencing feature of parent app and receive alerts when the school bus approaches near to their child's pick up point.

  • Manifest Feature

Produce routine school bus passenger details like pick up details, route diagram indicating pick up location, list of students present inside the bus etc. If a student applied leave on a particular day, his pick up details will not appear in that day's stop list in the app. This saves valuable time of the driver as well as the students by not having to stop at unnecessary points. It is a useful feature that is going to be a trendsetter in the future.

These are trends that have revolutionized the school transportation management. They not only help the new drivers to have better control of the school bus, but also give parents peace of mind. With the advent of various technologies, costs for fuel can also be significantly reduced with the facility of route optimization.