It’s important for schools to prioritize school bus safety so as to ensure that the students have a safe journey to and from the school. As a safety measure, most schools seem to take up the aid of technology such as the School Bus Tracking systems. However, technology undergoes enhancements with time and therefore, it is important for schools to keep track of the latest trends of school bus tracking systems in the market and implement them.
So, what are the new technologies that’ll change the face of School Bus Tracking Systems in 2017?
Let’s see:
OBD Trackers
2017 will see compact versions of GPS trackers. The On-board diagnostics (OBD) trackers when connected to the OBD port of a vehicle gives out trouble signals in case of emergency that the authorities can check on and offer help. A detailed report of the school bus drivers’ activities can be gathered using the data logger feature of OBD trackers, which helps the school authorities to keep tab on the driving habits of the school bus drivers. The fuel economy meters guide the school bus drivers towards charting the best route possible to minimize fuel consumption. Another feature to note is the performance computers that give information regarding the vehicle’s performance, such as vehicle and engine speed, steering angle, etc. The most modern forms of OBD trackers come with integrated Wi-Fi technology to keep track of the school bus while on the road.
Live Video Streaming
The latest addition to the school bus tracker is the one with GPS and video and audio recorder that gives a better real-time view of inside of the school bus. Audio and video from the cameras installed in the school buses can also be recorded for later use. This helps the school authorities to react instantly in case of an emergency.
360-Degree View Mirror
This technology is indeed a boon to school bus drivers. The 360-Degree View Mirror allows school bus drivers a 360 degree view around the school bus while at a bus stop. This gives the drivers a better view of the areas normally not visible to them and to ensure that it is safe to move the vehicle. Thus, it helps to avoid unwanted accidents.
Alcohol Sensor Pads
These sensor pad placed on a vehicle’s steering wheel can detect alcohol presence within seconds when the school bus driver keeps his/her hands on it. If the alcohol exceeds the allowed limit, the vehicle is automatically locked and a message will be sent to the school authorities. The usual school bus trackers can only help sense the driver's activities and know if they have consumed alcohols. According to reports, large number of accidents involving school buses have happened due to drunken driving. Implementing these alcohol sensor pads is indeed important to ensure the safety of students.
Artificial Intelligence based School Bus Tracking
A school bus tracking system with a mind of its own! What more does a school need to ensure their students' safety? The artificial intelligence-based school bus tracking system continuously monitors every school bus and ensure that each student travelling in the buses is safe. It alerts the concerned authorities in case a student gets down at the wrong bus stop or if he/she didn’t get down at the allotted bus stop, if there is any schedule changes, rash driving, the driver taking a different route and emergencies like bus delays, failures etc. Parents are alerted 10 minutes prior to the school bus reaching the bus stop, thus allowing them to be present at the stop before the bus reach there. The best part is that all these alerts are sent without human intervention, thus reducing the workload of school authorities.
Collision Avoidance Sensors
These sensors keep an eye on the road to detect the vehicles ahead and measure their distance and relative speed compared to the school bus. It also detects any land markings or signs on the road, thus helping the school bus drivers to be alert. The sensors also warn the drivers in advance in the form of visual or audio alerts for potential dangers. These alerts give the drivers enough time to react and thus prevent or lessen the impact of collisions.
2017 is all set to see the best of technologies to ensure school bus safety. Now, it’s up to the school authorities to implement them and make a change.