12 Different Technologies That Help School Bus Drivers Drive
Technology is considered an influential part of modern life. However, while penetrating all aspects of human life, you can now afford to get real-time information about your child's whereabouts at school.
In addition to helping parents stay informed about the location of the school bus, various technology tools help school bus drivers do their job to the best of their ability.
Here's a list of a dozen tech innovations that help professionals behind the wheel in various ways.
- School Bus Tracking Apps
A school bus tracking app processes real-time data about the exact location of the bus and how long it has arrived at its stop.
As a result, when this app is in place, schools can avoid the problem by eliminating a series of distressed calls from parents checking their pupils' arrival and departure times.
Meanwhile, the tracking apps urge the school bus driver to drive with caution, trusting that parents are informed about pickup and drop-off times.
- Monitoring Systems
The school bus tracker uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) and GPS tracking, which aim to bring transparency and convenience to both parties involved; currently designated school bus drivers and parents.
These tracking systems not only keep parents informed about school bus trips, but also act as guides for speeding drivers.
Parents waiting for their children to be picked up or brought back can approach these tracking systems to monitor the speed of the bus, as well as some unscheduled driver stops.
Additionally, this information can become invaluable data points for parents to evaluate the performance of school bus drivers.
- Cameras: Tools to Spy on what is happening inside the Bus
Another technological advance that establishes safe driving is the installation of cameras inside school buses. Therefore, these cameras are activated when the bus stops to capture the license plate of the vehicle that crosses the territory of the school bus danger zones.
To avoid the occurrence of the accident, school bus drivers, thanks to the installation of cameras, can save the lives of students by avoiding crushing other vehicles on the road.
- Digital Cameras
Another enabling technology that helps school bus drivers keep an eye on the road is the installation of digital cameras.
In the meantime, current computerized cameras introduced on school transports assist the driver with continually observing and notice what's going on inside the transport while driving.
Additionally, these cameras also capture audio and video of school bus events, preventing the driver from turning around and controlling a group of mischievous students.
It is through these devices that school bus drivers are better able to engage and deal with the behavior problems of misbehaving students.
- The Importance of Mirror Grating Systems
School buses equipped with mirror grid systems will assist drivers in having a top view of the school bus environment.
On the other hand, thanks to the use of electrical networks installed behind the rear view mirrors, school bus drivers will be able to cope with extreme cold while driving.
Once the grill heats up, the frozen particles on the rearview mirror evaporate, allowing drivers an imminent enhanced view of the unobstructed views from the mirrors.
- Nozzles in front of the tires: another air conditioning mechanism in favor of school bus drivers
Bad weather conditions shouldn't worry drivers behind the wheel. In an attempt to circumvent all these circumstances, school bus tires are equipped with nozzles, which are located in front of them.
It is a mechanical advancement that helps transport drivers to drive on frosty streets. You may be puzzled by how that is possible.
Nozzles are part of the picture for safer driver when cleaning sand on icy and slippery roads. This sand creates friction for the tires, allowing the driver to drive safely.
Another facility that results from these shots is to chain the tires if the bus moves.
- The advantages of computer diagnostics
Preparation is the key to effective decision making. This preparation takes the form of being informed of the need for repair and maintenance of the vehicle.
Whether the vehicle's engine has to adjust to revolutions per minute (RPM) or replacing a damaged light, drivers place great importance on computerized diagnostics.
By paying attention to faulty oil tanks, transmission issues, and all exhaust alarms, school bus drivers can drive with a sense of preparedness.
- Sensors Help Perform Preschool Bus Checks
Technology is also helping to improve the safety level of school bus drivers. The State of Connecticut is proud to install a wireless device that helps driver’s complete pre-service checks, including emergency door and brake inspections.
It is thanks to sensors that the supervisor of the school bus is informed of any malfunction that could lead to a road disaster.
- The promise of the automatic door entry system
Various schools in Dubai give the award of a school driver a Safer Driver Dubai and can invest in modern technology, offering buttons to better manage the opening and closing of bus doors.
Push-button automatic door systems bring great convenience to the safe Dubai driver, avoiding the shoulder pain and fatigue that comes with manual operation.
- Steering is made comfortable with air-cushioned seats.
Air-cushioned seats are a godsend for school bus drivers who can now drive in comfort. These seats, with strong lumbar support, ensure good posture when the driver is behind the wheel.
This way, the school bus driver can enjoy each ride in a better driving position which will help them focus on the road ahead.
- The efficiency of small engines
Diesel-powered school buses are the safest and most reliable form of transportation for millions of schoolchildren. However, the size of a school bus engine influences driver performance.
What to notice the link between these two parameters? It's coming! A smaller bus engine means a shorter front end.
At the same time, with smaller engines, bus drivers will recognize how comfortable it is to maneuver while enjoying a wide view of their surroundings.
It is through this wide-angle view that school bus drivers will be able to drive the bus efficiently to avoid accidents caused by inaccurate separation judgments.
Of course, smaller engines are touted as another technological change that allows bus drivers to do their jobs in the best possible way.
- Wi-Fi connectivity on the bus
Sometimes the children on board can become a distraction for the school bus driver, who must not only concentrate on the road, but also ensure the decorum of the trip.
Additionally, confusion on school buses created by bullying and mean students can affect driver performance. All to help the driver focus better on traffic, schools are looking to offer internal Wi-Fi connectivity for school buses.
Identified as a gadget to keep students busy, Wi-Fi on school buses can work both ways. While internet connectivity helps students with homework or play on the go, school bus drivers are also benefactors.
As a result, drivers driving school buses connected to Wi-Fi are unaffected by unnecessary student chatter on board and drive with caution.
Final thoughts
After discovering the myriad ways technology can convince bus drivers to drive safely, it makes sense to go with the flow and implement these innovations on every school bus.
In this way, you as a school administrator or transport manager will not only simplify your work, but also become a truce for parents and students.
With the safety of children on board being your primary responsibility, you can rely on the technological advancements mentioned above as your daily guide to safe and hassle-free school bus travel.