Technology is considered as an influential component of modern day lives. Nevertheless, while penetrating into every aspect of human life, you now have the luxury of obtaining real-time information on the whereabouts of your school-going kid.
Alongside supporting parents to be informed about the whereabouts of the school bus, a host of technological tools aid school bus drivers commit their jobs to the best of their abilities.
Here is the list of a dozen technological innovations that assist the professionals at the wheel in a multitude of ways.
- School Bus Tracking Apps
A school bus tracking app renders real time data regarding the exact location of the bus and the duration of arriving at your stop.
As a consequence, when such an app is in place, schools can steer clear by eliminating a number of distressed calls from parents checking about the pickup and dropping times of their wards.
In the meantime, tracking apps insist the school bus driver to drive cautiously with a conviction that parents are informed about the timing of pickup and drop.
- Tracking Systems
The School bus tracker utilizes RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) and GPS tracking, which intends to bring in transparency and convenience to both the parties concerned; the currently appointed school bus drivers and the parents.
As a matter of fact, such tracking systems not only notify the parents about the journey of the school bus, but also work as tabs on speeding drivers.
Parents who are waiting for their kids to be either picked up from home or dropped back can approach these tracking systems to monitor on the speed of the bus along with certain unscheduled bus stops that the driver is taking.
Moreover, this information can apparently become invaluable data points to parents to assess the performance of school bus drivers.
- Cameras – Tools to Peep Into What’s Happening Inside the Bus
Installing cameras inside the school bus is another technological move that establishes safe driving. Consequently, these cameras are activated when the bus stops for capturing the number plate of the vehicle that passes by in the territory of School Bus Danger Zones.
All in an attempt to evade the instance of accident, school bus drivers through the implementation of cameras can save the lives of students from being hit by other vehicles on the road.
- Digital Cameras
Another propitious technology that assists school bus drivers keep a watchful eye on the road is through the installation of digital cameras.
Meanwhile, modern digital cameras installed in the school buses help the driver to constantly monitor and realize what is happening inside the bus when he is at the wheel.
In addition, these cameras also capture the audio and video of the school bus happenings, sparing the driver to turn around and control a group of mischievous students.
It is through such devices that school bus drivers can better engage and handle behavioral issues of misbehaving students.
- The Prominence of Mirror Grid Systems
School buses fitted with mirror grid systems will help drivers relish a superior vision of the surroundings of the school bus.
On the other hand, through the usage of electric grids, which are fitted behind the mirrors, school bus drivers will be able to tackle extreme cold weather conditions while at the wheel.
Once the grid is heated, the frozen particles on the mirror get evaporated clearing the vision for drivers to appreciate an enhanced vision impending from clear mirror views.
- Spouts in Front of Tires – Another Climate Control Mechanism In Favor of School Bus Drivers
Unfavorable weather conditions should in no way induce a concern for drivers at the wheel. In an attempt to counter all such circumstances, school bus tires come with spouts, which are located in front of them.
This is a technological innovation that helps bus drivers drive on icy roads. You might perplex how this is possible.
Spouts come into the picture of safety driving practice when they drop sand on the slippery and icy road. This sand constitutes friction to the tires allowing the driver to drive safe.
Another facility that comes through these sprouts is to chain up the tires if the bus is progressing on a route that is not safe for driving.
- The Benefits of Computerized Diagnostics
Preparation is the key to effective decision-making. This preparation comes in the form of being informed about the need for vehicle repairs and maintenance.
Be it the vehicle engine which should be fine-tuned in accord of the Revolution per Minute (RPM) or the replacement of a damaged indicator light, drivers attach a lot of importance to computerized diagnostics.
Paying attention to the faulty functioning of oil tanks, issues concerning transmission and all the alarms concerning exhaust systems, school bus drivers can drive with a sense of preparedness.
- Sensors Help Conduct Pre-Service Checks to School Buses
Technology also aids in improving the safety level of school bus drivers. The state of Connecticut takes pride in the installation of a wireless device that helps drivers to conduct pre-service checks, including emergency door inspections and brake checks.
It is through sensors that the school bus supervisor is informed about any malfunction that can lead to a driving disaster.
- The Promise of Automatic Door Entry System
School bus drivers can invest in modern technology offering push buttons to better manage the opening and closing of bus doors.
Automatic door systems fitted with push buttons bestow a great deal of comfort to bus drivers, avoiding shoulder pains and fatigue that comes with manual operation.
- Driving Made Comfortable With Air-Cushioned Seats
Air-cushioned seats are a boon to school bus drivers who can now drive comfortably. These seats, which come with a strong lumbar support ensure the correct posture while the driver is at the wheel.
This way, the school bus driver can enjoy every journey through a better driving position that will help him focus on the road ahead.
- The Effectiveness of Smaller Engines
The diesel-powered school buses come as the safest and reliable modes of transportation for millions of school children. However, the size of a school bus engine has a bearing on the performance of a driver.
What to perceive the connection between these two parameters? Here it comes! A smaller bus engine means a shorter front part.
At the same time, with smaller engines, bus drivers will recognize as comfortable to maneuver when they enjoy a wide view of their surroundings.
In fact, it is because of this wide angle vision that school bus drivers will be able to manage the bus efficiently so as to avoid the issue of accidents caused due to inaccurate judgment of spacing.
Of course, smaller engines, thus come as another technological change that favors bus drivers to do their job in the best possible manner.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity in the Bus
At times, kids on board can become a distraction to a school bus driver who not only has to concentrate on the road but also ensure the decorum of travel.
Furthermore, ruckus in school buses created by bullying and mischievous students can mar the performance of a driver. All for the sake of assisting the driver to better concentrate on the traffic, schools are looking at offering in-house Wi-Fi connectivity to school buses.
Identified as a trick to occupy students, Wi-Fi in school buses can work both ways. While the Internet connectivity helps students to complete their homework or play games during travel, school bus drivers are the benefactors as well.
As a result, drivers who drive Wi-Fi connected school buses cannot be affected by futile chatter from students on board and drive cautiously.
Closing Thoughts
After learning about the numerous ways in which technology can convince bus drivers to drive safe, it makes sense to go with the flow and institute these innovations on every school bus.
This way, you as a school administrator or a transportation manager will not only simplify your job, but will also become a truce to both parents and students.
With the safety of children on-board being your paramount responsibility, you can bank on the above mentioned technological advancements as your daily guide to safe and uneventful school bus journeys.