For the Record Child Check-Mate would like to thank School Transportation
news for bringing attention to the problem of children being left unattended on school buses in the November 2011 issue (page 40). We also appreciate this opportunity to clarify some of the comments made in this article regarding our system. One student transporter said bus drivers perform post-
trip checks six to eight times a day and never leave a student behind. But all it takes is one day of not checking. Tat one day a child does fall asleep is precisely why we developed this system, to remind the driver each and every time they carry children to search the length of their vehicle. As a school bus operator for 30 years, I understand that Child Check-Mate or any other electronic system can’t actually be the drivers’ eyes, but we can rest assured that, as an operator, you have done everything you can to prevent these occurrences. Another student transporter said that even with these
systems, riders still get left behind. Perhaps the driver pushed the button too soon while riders were still on board or students pushed the button for them, thus neglecting to check for sleeping children. Tis is misleading. While this can be attempted, the Child Check-Mate will re-arm itself the
next time the eight ways are activated. Te system can be programmed to activate in a time window regardless of the use of the eight ways; for example, activating after the bus has been running for five minutes. Alternatively, the activation input signal can be moved from the eight-ways to the brake pedal. Both options make it impossible to deactivate the system prior to the drivers completing their route. Also, this student transporter noted, if a driver leaves
the key on auxiliary or the engine running while parked, it can prevent the Child Check-Mate system from engaging. Te auxiliary or engine-running scenario will only delay the search, allowing drivers to deal with unexpected situations on their bus. Once the system has been engaged, the only way to deactivate it is by pressing the deactivation button at the rear of the bus. Te moment the key has been placed in the off position at the end of their route, drivers will be prompted to conduct their search.
Gord Both Owner and Founder, Child Check-Mate
www.childcheckmate.com
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3 POINT/INTEGRATED SCHOOL BUS SEATS Product: Safeguard Star
1.800.543.0575 |
www.ewss.org | 10939B Reed Hartman Hwy. • Cincinnati, OH 45242
www.stnonline.com 49
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