Tag: school bus safety

11 Awesome Technologies Used in Modern School Buses

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

School bus safety is an important topic and there have been debates and discussions over the topic so as to make the school bus journey a safe affair for students. Most schools seek the aid of technology to ensure that their students are safe throughout the journey from home to school and back to home.

With advancement in school bus tracker technologies technology, more and more ideas have come up to handle various aspects of school bus safety.

Here is a list of 11 such school bus tracker technologies used in school buses, at present:

RFID Trackers

This technology has been implemented in most schools in the past few years for ensuring student safety. Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) trackers help in student tracking. They provide real-time information regarding the students to parents and school authorities. Students can have the RFID tags attached to their student ID cards. They have to swipe the RFID cards in the card reader attached to the school bus, once they board the bus and when they get down. Every time the students swipe the cards, notifications will be sent via phone to the parents and school authorities. Many parents think that RFID tags invade privacy of students. But, it is a myth. Tracking happens only until the students swipe their cards before they get down the bus, just to ensure that they had a safe journey.

School bus tracker

They utilize RFID and GPS tracking to provide real time information regarding school bus locations.  Parents are notified 10 minutes prior to the school bus reaches the scheduled bus stop. Once the student boards the bus, the parents and school authorities are further notified about the journey of the bus. Apart from student safety, reports on speed of the bus, unscheduled bus stops, fuel consumption etc. can also be generated using school bus tracker. All these information can help in judging the performance of the school bus drivers and also in cutting costs in terms of labour and fuel.

Cameras

This technology is meant to keep school bus violators at bay. Sometimes, when a school bus is stopped at a particular bus stop, other vehicles have a tendency to enter the school bus danger zones, thus creating accidents. The latest victim to one such accident is Michael Burgess, an 11 year old from USA. He was boarding onto his school bus in the morning when an over speeding car hit him. The technology involving cameras were introduced to put an end to the issue. Little cameras that are installed into school buses get activated when the bus stops. In case any vehicle passes by, the cameras capture the number plate numbers.

Student Behaviour Tracking System

Bullying in schools is not just confined to classrooms. It can occur in school buses as well. Therefore, it is necessary to keep track of student behaviour in school buses. A student behaviour tracking system can help you with that. This is usually a web communication tool that can help in identifying, analysing, responding to and resolving all sorts of incidents related to student misconduct.  The student behaviour tracking system can help drivers and administrators to communicate with parents and students so that they can work together to keep control of the students and ensure that they are safe.

Wi-Fi

Usually, it is students who are teenagers, are usually into bullying and creating all kinds of ruckus in a school. As a solution to the problem, many schools have come up with the idea of allotting Wi-Fi in school buses to keep the students occupied. Now, since most schools are integrating technology to schools, students may have a tablet or a laptop with them. Students can utilize the Wi-Fi in the bus productively to complete their homework or for leisure like playing games.  Since student stay involved, they will not have a chance to create unwanted problems in the school bus.

Spouts in Front of Tires

This technology comes handy in places that experience harsh winters. The spouts located in front of the school bus tires can drop sand onto the icy roads. Also, if the roads are really not worth travelling, the buses automatically put chains on the tires.

Digital Cameras

By using the modern digital cameras, you will be able to capture audio as well as video, know exactly the happenings inside a school bus, and keep drivers' attention on the road. Consequently, students' mischief, bullying, disciplinary issues of students, and safety issues can be handled properly with useful evidences.

Computerised Diagnostics

Computerised diagnostics is a useful technology available today. It helps you identify the issues in a vehicle easily and determine the need for vehicle repairs. The problems related to RPM (Revolution Per Minute) levels of the vehicle engine, damages of indicator lights, fuel injectors, improper functioning of oil tanks, transmission issues, gas tank issues, repair of exhaust systems, etc.

Automatic Door Entry System

Most of the modern buses are having automatic doors with push buttons, which is used by drivers to open and close the school bus doors. With the automatic door system, drivers are able to avoid fatigue, shoulder pains, etc.

Air-Cushioned Seats

With the introduction of air-cushioned seats, students and drivers are able to have a safe and comfortable journey. Such seats are useful, especially for drivers as they are able to have finer driving position and lumbar support than earlier.

Mirror Grid Systems

This is a valuable technology as drivers are able to have better vision of the area around the school bus. With the electric grids feature behind the mirrors, the school bus drivers can overcome cold weather conditions. As the grid gets heated, any frozen precipitate or objects will be removed from the mirror, providing a better mirror view for drivers.

Smaller Engines

Just like computer chips, engines are also undergoing massive transformation. When the engines become smaller, its front part becomes shorter. And hence, drivers can see the surroundings well and manage the bus efficiently.

Keeping updated with technology is the best measure a school can take to provide safety to its students. However, it is not necessary that technology can only be utilized in schools to deal with student safety. Technology can also help schools in other aspects of the education field, thus cutting down unwanted costs and maintaining their reputation.

How Well Do You Know about School Bus Dimensions?

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

There is no doubt that the best way of transportation to and from school is the school bus. It’s a privilege to avail the service of school bus. The invention of GPS and RFID tags has elevated the safety provided by school bus to the next level.

The RFID school bus tracking system tracks student location, making it possible to locate them. There is also a GPS tracking system equipped in the school bus to help parents as well as schools to track real-time location.

Also Read: What is the Average Size Of School Bus?

Considering the distance travelled by the bus and the distance they cover, deaths are extremely rare. Death rate of school buses per 100 million miles travelled is 0.2 while automobile deaths are eight times higher.

Never Ignore the Dimensions of a School Bus:

It’s not wise to ignore the importance of the school bus dimensions. The exterior of the bus is equally important as its interior.

 

Typical Measurement of school Bus:

The school bus would have these particular measurements.

  • About 9.5 to 11 ft for its height
  • Around 8 ft for its width
  • Between the measurements of about 12 ft to 40 ft length

Measurement considered by the driver;

Ten (10) to twelve (12) meters long is another measurement that the school bus drivers prefer. It is because of the comfort that the drivers prefer this measurement.

Other Dimensions:

Measurements about 7980 or 8500 by 2400 by 3100 mm

Passengers and Its Impact:

The passenger size is of important to consider while calculating the measurements outside.

  • A 72 passenger bus would be appropriate if there are lot of passengers
  • For more capacity 77-passenger bus is available
  • The buses are designed to carry around sixty five (65) passengers
  • For a handful of students, a bus with smaller passenger space would be enough

Passengers and the Bus:

While selecting the perfect bus for the school the authorities must keep in mind the strength of students.

Here are some of the variations of school buses according to its seating arrangement;

  • Average buses for schools would have a seating capacity of around fifteen (15) to ninety (90) people.
  • Some choose to have around fifteen (15) to thirty eight (38) seating capacity
  • Some offer around twenty four (24) to sixty six (66) seats

The Eight School Bus Types:

  1.  Type A school bus can carry about 10 to 16 students
  2. Type B bus can carry around 10 to 30 people
  3. Type C helps to transport around 10 to 54 children and teenagers
  4. Type D school vehicle can carry 10 to 54 students
  5. Type S merely can hold up to 9 or less people.
  6. Multifunctional Activity Bus
  7. School Van
  8. Non-Conforming Vans

Choosing the Right Bus is not Tough:

Choose the right bus keeping in mind various factors. The best choice can give most comfort. Avoid buses with more seats than the students. Always be double sure about the material that is used to construct the exterior of the bus. Suitable prevention must also be ensured to decrease the effect of collision. Heavy duty mudflaps must be fitted in the front and rear of the bus. Without disturbing any adjacent panels or window(s), all exterior panels must be easily replaceable.

Wonder why school bus provides safety that cannot be compensated by any other means of transportation?

It’s because, school buses are built to eliminate the possibility of any danger. All school buses are equipped with school bus safety and comfort to help students have a trouble-free trip to and from their schools.

School buses have got fire extinguishers, emergency exit windows, seat belts on all seats plus an ultra-low entry slide-step (as optional) to allow children to board and alight without assistance. The thickly padded bench seats are fire proof.

Not only is the interior of the school bus, but the whole of it is built with utmost care and observation.

Resource

Trackschoolbus Adds Face Recognition Feature to its Apps

Posted on by TSB Super Admin


Trackschoolbus adds Face recognition feature for ensuring better safety of school bus children. With this feature, the school bus attendance will be marked by face recognition of students.

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VPS: Google’s New Venture for Indoor Positioning

A clear photograph of student, which includes the major face features like ears, eyes, nose, lips, and cheeks will make the attendance management a simple process.

The key features of the face recognition feature may include:

  • Instant notification to parents regarding school bus attendance
  • Option to upload another image if the image is not clear
  • Use front camera or back camera as per the convenience of the user
  • Identify students within a range of 1.5m to 30cm away
  • Students will be able to know whether their face recognition is done or not
  • Get birthday wishes, welcome messages, etc. for students once the face recognition is done

A  limitation with this feature is that it may not work, if a particular student wear sun glasses, or covered by clothes. At that time, RFID cards can be used for taking school bus attendance.

 

10 Things you should Never Say to Your Child’s School Bus Drivers

Posted on by TSB Super Admin


Being a school bus driver is not easy. Not everyone understands and appreciates the massive responsibility of being a school bus driver.  It takes some serious skills for drivers to effectively manage a school bus full of students. At times, it can be an irritating and frustrating task. They are not only responsible for ensuring a safely driving the school bus, but also for maintaining proper school bus discipline.

School bus drivers are often at the receiving end of some harsh statements from parents, commuters, etc. If you are a parent, there are some statements you should probably avoid making to a school bus driver. Remember, they are ensuring the safety of  children on a regular basis. Lets take a look at them. 

1. “No, I'll never allow my child to travel in a school bus as it is too dangerous”

Certainly, this is a wrong thing to say to a school bus driver. School bus safety is given utmost importance by everyone from the school bus manufacturers and school authorities to transport managers, drivers and attendants for ensuring better safety. 

There are perpetual debates such as whether the presence or absence of a seat belt will reduce school bus accidents. While the debate might rage on for a long time, it is a fact that top padded seats protect students from crashes as they are seated high off the ground. And when you compare the number of car collisions with that of school bus collisions, you will find that a school bus is the safest transportation for your child.

2. “Haven't you noticed how my child got bullied on the school bus?”

It is yet another complaint you will say to a school bus driver. To be frank, it is a wrong accusation. You can imagine a large school bus full of students and hence it can be a difficult task for drivers to take care of each child. As a parent, you should tell your child to report about the bullying incident to drivers instantly. Only then, drivers will be able to know about it and take necessary action.

3.  “Are you confident that it was my child behind it?”

Obviously, this accusation can be a great insult for drivers. They are the ones who witness every incident that happens in a school bus. Do you think they are visually impaired? They have a clear idea on the behavior of each student and it can never be a fake one. Hence, it is your duty to advise your child to behave properly inside the school bus. 

4. “Actually, the other kid started the argument first”

Every parent try to protect their child but before protecting them, do ask driver about the incident. Before blaming another kid, ask your child about it. And anyway, if your child abused or attacked someone, it is not a right thing to do even though the other kid started it.

5. “Yeah, I know he/she is a troublemaker”

Literally, this means that, “I know my child is a nuisance but I'm not going to do anything about it”. As a parent, you are responsible for inculcating good behavior in your children. If your child misbehave to someone, do tell them that he or she is doing a wrong thing.

6. “Why can't the school bus come to my house?”

Before complaining something to the school bus driver, try to think about their role and responsibilities. School bus is not owned by a school bus driver, he is merely an employee appointed by school authorities. Like every employee, he is liable to follow the rules made by the school administrators. Hence, it is impossible to pick every child from their house as the authorities decide the most efficient route to reach the school quicker and driver have no permission to violate it.

7.  “Sorry for being late”

Indeed, this is a wrong thing to say to a school bus driver. You should remember the fact that if you are coming late with your kid at the bus stop, you are making other kids late too. Never tell any silly excuses to the school bus driver as they didn't care about it. And, what they care most is to pick and drop every child at the scheduled time. Hence, it will be better not to make their task complicated.

8.  “Sorry, I didn't see the bus”

This is one of the stupidest reasons you present before a school bus driver. Indeed, it is a huge lie as it is impossible for not noticing the big yellow school buses with flashing stop signs. Hence, it is better to be constant vigilant whenever you go near a school bus and above all, keep your big eyes open.

9.  “I haven't passed your bus”

No, you should never say such thing to a school bus drivers. They will notice the number plates of vehicles that pass the school bus and immediately notify it to relevant authorities. Today, even the school bus students are trained to notice the number plates that illegally pass the school bus and hence, you could not escape easily by giving false reasons as there are more witnesses than you ever imagine.

10. “Do you seriously love your job?”

Usually, a school bus driver's job is not a glamorous one at all. But don't try to make them regret the job completely. There are people who do this job with intense interest and hence, it is better to never spoil their fun. It is their job and they know how to do it properly. Leave them alone.

As a parent, you should understand the fact that your child reaches home safely due to the school bus driver. And hence, learn to respect them and avoid unnecessary questioning. 

“Being a school bus driver is not just a job… It's an adventure”

School Bus Seat Belts: Can They Truly Improve Safety?

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

School bus seat belt is a much discussed issue for more than a decade. Still, people are not clear about the benefits of seat belts. It is indeed a hot topic for school bus drivers, administrators, and bus manufacturers. Some reputed schools have already installed seat belts, as they think of it as a part of ensuring school bus safety.

Even though there are modern technologies such as school bus GPS to ensure student safety, additional protection in the form of a seat belt might make a lot of difference. Or, do they? Let us first analyse the benefits of using seat belts in school buses.

The following are some benefits associated with seat belt installation:

Attributes Protection in Times of Crash

Usually, school bus manufacturers demonstrate how seat belts become useful in crash situations, especially for the one that cause side impacts and roll over. Wondering how it becomes useful in crash situations? It helps you to reduce the accident injuries by keeping them on the seats itself. Without seat belts, your child will be thrown out during crashes.

Reduces the Driver Distraction

It was noticed that seat belts help to improve the student behavior in school buses. This is because seat belts will reduce the bullying situations as students hold on to their seats with seat belts. And it makes your child safer.

Inculcates a Good Safety Habit

When you install seat belts on the school buses, it becomes a habit. And this can be beneficial as your child puts seat belts automatically whenever they enter into a vehicle for transportation. So, implementation of seat belts helps to build a critical habit in children as it enhances transportation safety.

Is it Really Good for your Child?

Over the years, school bus seat belts are an issue for school authorities as well as parents. And in research and crash tests, it was found that in some cases, seat belts can cause danger to your children. The lap belt can cause injuries to neck as well as face at the crash situations. Sometimes, seat belts cause serious damage to the internal organs of your child. Due to these reasons, authorities still hesitate to take the risk of installing seat belt on school buses. As it involves student road safety, researches and crash tests are still going on about whether seat belts for school buses are good or not.

Here are the reasons why seat belts are not desirable for school buses:

  • When seat belts are not worn properly, it may cause serious back injuries as well as neck injuries
  • As seat belts are worn by children, you can not trust them fully as children are usually naughty
  • School bus seats are designed to be just like eggs in a carton (seats are closely arranged) that makes children safer

Is the Present School Bus Design Safer?

At present, school bus design is based on the compartmentalization concept. That is, seats are arranged higher, closer, and well padded, which indeed reduces the impact caused by accidents. And windows are made small so that your child never gets thrown out of it. Hence, it was proved that this passive crash protection system is safer than any other restraint systems available today.

Installation of seat belt is still a concern. Many argue that seat belt is necessary for school buses. While others think that it causes injuries to back and neck. Also, it may become a hindrance at the time of emergencies. It slows down your child's evacuation process, thereby increasing casualties. A clear answer is elusive. What do you think? Should seat belts be employed in school buses? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section. 

Common Risks in Fleet Management

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

School bus fleet management is an important part of the functioning of a school, just like its other aspects. Most schools have a fleet manager to take care of the school bus fleet. He also plans and assigns school bus routes. Though the job sounds easy, it really isn’t. There are many risks that come along with it, landing the fleet managers and school authorities in deep trouble.

Here is a list of such risks that accompany fleet management:

Read Also: 

RFID Helps Improve Fleet Efficiency and Productivity

  • Huge financial loss 

It is really expensive to buy a brand new school bus. Hence, there will be a huge financial loss, if the school bus meets with an accident or breakdown. It will have the same effect if a school bus is stolen. You need to spend a huge amount of money for repairs and maintenance of school bus.

  • Paying worker’s compensation

If the driver gets injured while performing his duty, school management is responsible to pay worker's compensation claims at the right time without much delay. Otherwise, it may lead to the bad reputation of the school. 

  • School having to face the court if any other person is injured

There will be so many legal formalities once you are trapped in accident cases. In the case of school bus accidents, the complete responsibility will be on the school authority. They will have to face all the consequences as per the court orders.

  • Risk of school’s reputation stooping low 

There will be so many complaints against the school management once it gets involved in any accident cases. Often people claim the authority for mismanagement of the school bus fleet and not seriously considering about school bus safety.

  • Risk of losing money 

Due to improper behavior from driver, school management needs to spend quite a large amount of money as compensation. This is an unnecessary expense for school authorities.

  • What can be done?

There are a few steps that can be taken to escape the risks related to school bus fleet management. Those who manage the school bus fleet must give attention to every set of risk related to every school bus and take proper measures to manage them.

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The Role of Software in Preventive Maintenance of Your School Bus

  • But how to do that remains a question.

You have to integrate technology to your school bus fleet management to manage these risks to the maximum. The best solution is School Bus Tracking Software.

Integrated with GPS technology, the School Bus Tracking Software provides you with a whole lot of advantages.

Majority of schools have to incur a financial loss due to unsafe driving practices. With the help of School Bus Tracking Software, you can track the performance of school bus drivers. The software can keep you informed about instances of over speeding, unscheduled bus stops etc., apart from the location of the school bus.

Sometimes, drivers may misuse school buses for unnecessary driving. Since School Bus Tracking Software has GPS integrated into it, you can easily track the school bus location and avoid such circumstances.

In case of a vehicle breakdown, you can get notified at the earliest with the help of the software. This can help you to provide assistance within a short amount of time.

School bus fleet management is one of the risky businesses to handle. People often criticize school authorities even though it is not their fault. All you can do is to be aware of the above mentioned risks and handle it wisely.  Providing a comprehensive driver training can be a great idea for efficient school bus fleet management. Also, keep in mind that student safety is all that matters.

Traffic Police Organizes Meeting to Educate School Bus Drivers

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

Traffic police have organized a meeting with school bus drivers as well as school bus owners. The main aim of the meeting was to educate drivers about traffic rules and regulations that has to be followed while transporting school children.

The meeting was an aftereffect of the accident that happened in Etah, which killed 15 children due to visibility issue in the fog. About 1500 drivers and owners attended the meeting addressed by the Superintendent of Police(SP).

Read Also:

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SP of Gautam Buddh Nagar said that the meeting was attended by drivers of about 50 schools in the city. They were informed about various school safety guidelines, essential traffic rules and regulations. As a part of meeting,  school bus drivers were given awareness on various precautionary measures to be taken for ensuring school bus safety.

The meeting ended with an oath supervised by the Superintendent and the drivers pledged to become responsible drivers while carrying school bus students.

Source

25 School Bus Drivers Arrested for Drunken Driving

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

Kerala Police arrested 25 school bus drivers in the inspection conducted on Friday morning. The inspection was conducted mainly in four districts like Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, and Kochi due to complaints of misconduct.

Read Also:

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P. Vijayan, Inspector General of Police, told that the surprise inspection was based on the complaint that drunken drivers are misbehaving with the children. Hence was the inspection conducted. Also he added that there are good drivers, but 25 drivers were caught red handed in the morning.

Upendra Narayanan, a road safety expert, encouraged the efforts of the police. And he added that child safety should be given top priority and it is high time to rusticate irresponsible school bus drivers.

Source

Importance of School Bus Safety Tips

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

For most students, a normal school day starts and ends with a school bus trip. School buses are always considered as the safest means of transportation for school students. But, there are some school bus safety concerns involved.

For school buses to continue being safe, there are certain school bus safety rules and tips that drivers, parents and students should be aware of.

Read Also: 

School Bus Safety Facts You Should Know About

They are as follows:

School bus safety tips for drivers:

  • Look out for children walking or bicycling to school while entering or leaving a garage
  • Use the horn as an extra precaution
  • Watch out for young people who never care about speeding and safety
  • Try to slow down, especially when a child is walking near the bus
  • Always be alert, which can subsequently reduce the number of accidents
  • Do not try to load or unload children across the street
  • Stop the school bus where you will have the best view of the railway tracks. Be sure that you are never closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the tracks.
  • Always keep your hands in a proper driving position for the safety of students as well as you
  •  Before starting the trip, check the school bus thoroughly to identify the mechanical issues existing in the bus

        School bus safety tips for children:

  • Keep your head and arms inside the school bus
  • Reach the bus stop earlier than the scheduled time of the school bus
  • When the bus reaches the stop, stand at least 6 feet away from the curb and line up. The queue should not extend to the road
  • Wait for the bus to stop, open the door and board the bus only when the driver assures that it is safe to get on the bus 
  • If, by chance, something drops to the ground while boarding the bus, do not try to pick it up. Instead, inform the driver about it
  • While crossing in front of the bus:

a. Make sure that you are at least 10 feet away from the bus
b. Make sure that you can see the bus and the driver can see you

  • Use handrails to avoid falling. Also, make sure thee uniform doesn’t get caught in the handrails or doors while boarding or getting off the bus
  • Never walk behind the bus. If you have to cross the road, do it only when the bus is stopped and has lights flashing
  • Walk at least 3 feet away from the sides of the bus
  • While crossing the road, look left, right and then left again
  • When you wait for the bus, pay attention to the surroundings

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School Bus Safety Tips for First Time Rider

        School bus safety tips for parents

  • Teach safety rules to children
  • Familiarize yourself with school bus drivers
  • Assure that students do not go to bus stops without adult supervision
  • Make sure that children know the bus number and the time at which school bus is scheduled to arrive
  • Make sure that the child arrives the bus stop early
  • Tell your child to follow every instruction given by a school bus driver
  • Practice a good pedestrian behavior with your child
  • Never allow the child to play at the bus stop
  • Advise children to look to the right before getting off the school bus

       School bus laws

1. Yellow flashing lights show that the school bus has stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading children. By seeing this indication, motorist should slow down and stop their vehicles.

2. Red flashing lights and extended arms indicate that the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off the bus. By seeing this indication, motorists should stop their vehicles until the red lights stop flashing and extended sign is withdrawn.

Reinforcing school safety tips and teaching the importance of the following them play an integral part in protecting the children from accidents and injuries.

All the above mentioned tips will definitely help you to have a safe and secure school bus trip. This indeed reduces the unwanted fear, anxiety and tension of both parents and school authorities.

Safety Issues of School Bus Rides and Their Solutions

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

“Be sensible, be safe”

School buses are among the safest form of school transportation. The credit of school bus safety goes to the numerous safety measures connected with them. From our environment to traffic blocks, school buses tackle a number of issues. They are at service on every working day of school without disappointing parents or children.

With the help of technology such as Student Tracking systems, you won’t have to worry about the school transportation safety any more. The location of each school bus can be traced without fail using School Bus Tracking systems. Abduction of school buses can thus become a high-risk proposition for terrorists. Even when on road, school buses remain under control of the concerned authority. From speed to punctuality, the bus remains under constant, real-time observation.

RFID tag is another technology based safety measure than can help you to stop worrying about the safety of children. Even during busy schedules, parents can easily confirm the safety of children without much effort, thanks to technology. The money saved on school bus is not money saved. Instead, it reflects a lack of responsibility.

Must Read:

 5 Major Misconceptions About Student Tracking

Safety issues of the best ride and its solutions

There are certain safety measures that must be considered  in order to ensure school bus safety.

Let’s eliminate the safety drawbacks

1. Waiting for the school bus

School bus Safety:Issues of School Bus Rides & Its Solutions

Routes of the school buses are scheduled in such a way that it is possible for students to choose the most convenient one. Leave at the right time to the bus stop, don’t rush.

Issue

While waiting for the bus, the student may be alone. They may rush to the school bus stop if they are late and could be careless while crossing the road.

Solution

RFID tags help parents to know the exact location of the child. The moment a child enters the bus, parents are notified. The fear of getting lost is eliminated as parents will know immediately if there is any danger. Wait quietly at the safest place, away from the road, for the school bus.

2. Entering the school bus

via GIPHY

Entering the school bus can sometimes be a dangerous task for children. Always stay away from the danger zone of the bus.

Issue

Children might rush to enter the school bus, which can cause injury. Waiting too close to the bus is dangerous.

Solution

Children must enter the school bus without rushing. The driver may not be able to see the children if they are in the danger zone. Therefore, always maintain a single line of queue while entering the bus. Use the rail while getting into the bus. also, get into the bus only when it stops completely.

3. Seat belts

via GIPHY

Nearly 63,000 lives have been saved between 2008 and 2012 by the usage of seat belts. According to law, seat belts are a must for car users and helmets for bikers.

Issue

It is quite surprising to know that most of the school buses do not have seat belts. The seat belts equipped in school buses do not go over the shoulder and lap as in cars. 

Solution

The school buses with seat belts serve better safety and security. Installation of seat belts must be made compulsory in every school bus. Seat belts must be installed in such a way that it is useful for the children rather than hurting them.

4. Behaviour inside the bus

via GIPHY

It is natural that students tend to make noise and fight inside the school bus.

Issue

The noise made by the children might distract the driver which can result in an accident. Children will always have a tendency to put their head and hands outside the bus. Eating and drinking inside the bus can also adversely affect the children. It not only contaminates the bus floor, but also, causes accidents to students as the food materials lying on the school bus surface may cause the students to slip on them..

Solution

Children must be taught how to behave inside the school. They must sit properly in the bus without moving here and there. Waving hands and putting head out of the window can result in serious injury. A supervisor can be appointed to take care of children while inside the bus.

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Are Seat Belts Essential for a School Bus? 

How Safe is the School Bus for Student Transportation

5. Getting out of the bus

via GIPHY

More accidents happen by being hit by a school bus than while riding in a school bus. For instance, a third-grade student, after getting out of the bus, finds that his important papers have fallen under the bus. Naturally, he will dash towards the bus to collect it. Not knowing about the child, the driver will start the bus. Simple negligence can result in serious injury and even to death.

Issue

Children are unaware about the dangers that may happen to them if they stand too close to the school bus. Standing too close to the school bus after getting out of it can cause injury.

Solution

Children must be taught about the safety tips and rules that they must maintain once they get out of the bus. They must be well aware about the danger zones around the bus, from where they should keep themselves away.

Now that’s officially proven

School buses collectively travel more than 4 billion miles carrying more than 24 million students. Taking into account the distance travelled by school buses, deaths are extremely rare. Death rate of school buses per 100 million miles travelled is 0.2 while automobile deaths are eight times higher. The calculations clearly indicate that school bus is far better compared to any other means of transportation to school.

Factors that contributes to the safety of school bus

There are numerous factors that contribute to the better safety of school buses. School buses are constructed so as to avoid any possible accidents. Usually, experienced drivers are allotted to school buses for making the ride comfortable and safe. Safety is given importance above any other factor.
Track School Bus systems have GPS to track school buses in real-time and RFID to track each child. As both children and school bus are under observation, it is easy to identify even the slightest possibility of danger. The services provided by school buses cannot be compensated by any other means of transportation.

A better planet for our children

Hiring school bus reduces the number of other vehicles on road. The consumption of petrol reduces. The yellow bus reduces the amount of carbon emissions by taking cars off the road conserving our planet for our children.

  • School bus rides save an average 1,157,068,800 pounds of CO2 emission per state per year. Imagine the amount of CO2 a school bus can save our planet from
  • School bus saves $421 in fuel costs per car per year. Now, that’s a whole lot money
  • School bus rides save approximately 147 children per state per year. That’s priceless!

    
Indeed, school bus transportation plays a vital role in the lives of students from pre-school to high school. There are so many dominant issues associated with school bus transportation and it can be solved easily by parents as well as students by being prepared and vigilant. 

“Safety is simple as ABC, Always Be Careful”