said. “But you would see the child with a 360-degree system.” Te introduction of the new technology is also accompanied
by concerns that bus drivers are distracted. Skeptics say the more technology advances to make children safer on school buses and add to the efficient operation of bus fleets, the more instruments are placed on a school bus that require the bus driver’s attention. Ariel Rodriguez, fleet manager for Humble ISD north of
Houston said he is piloting a rear-facing camera but only on one bus to get driver feedback on whether the monitor that displays images when the bus is in reverse is a distraction. “When the bus is moving forward the rear camera shuts off,” Rodriguez said. “Were concerned that the indicator screen by the driver may be a distrac- tion, so we’re taking a look at it.” Rodriguez said the potential for driver distraction has been a topic of discussion in the transportation department, especially with the new technology. “I’m not saying it will distract the driver, I’m not sure,” he said. “If a screen is going to be on while the bus is moving, theoretically, it could be dangerous to take your eyes off the road for any reason.” Jetha said she has not heard of any concerns expressed about the
system’s monitors distracting drivers. “In essence, the 360-degree camera system is like a mirror, she said. “And mirrors are not seen as distractions. Tis is a way to see around the bus.” She added that kids are most at risk when a bus is moving away
from a stop. “Tat’s when most accidents happen,” she said. “Tat’s the benefit of having four cameras; you’re getting a live view from around the bus.”
A bigger issue, she added, is whether the driver checks the mir-
ror each time before putting the bus in motion. “It’s the same with monitors as with mirrors,” Jetha said. “It’s a training issue.” Robert Scott, vice president of sales and marketing for 24/7
Security Inc., agreed, saying that as technology advances, so should training. “Tere are people in the industry who have begun talking about distractions,” Scott said. “We have to learn how to use these technologies to their optimum effectiveness. We have to determine
Check Your Health
Technology is the new prescription to assist student transporters in preventing video ills WRITTEN BY ART GISSENDANER
Installing state-of-the-art internal and external video surveillance systems is only one step in making sure school buses are covered from every angle, ensuring that student behavior and safety are adequately monitored. Whether the cameras are high definition, internet protocol or part of a 360-degree solution that eliminates blind spots in and around the bus, they have to first work to be effective. Transportation officials can often worry
about what can go wrong with these so- phisticated video systems and how will they know about system breakdowns before it’s too late. Te answer is a system that verifies no issues with the cameras or video, part of an overall telematics software package that monitors school bus operations, pinpoints and notifies fleet manager of potential mechanical failures before they occur. Te names of the systems vary by man- ufacturer, but the basic operating principle
56 School Transportation News • SEPTEMBER 2016
is the same: Te systems monitor every- thing on the bus from engine performance to stop arm deployment to tire pressure. When something is amiss, fleet managers may monitor the malfunction via comput- er or the information can be downloaded wirelessly and repairs made when the bus returns to the bus yard. When fleet managers are forewarned that
a DVR system is not recording, storing video or the system is about to crash, a
CELEBRATING25YEARS
how to best use these new technologies in a safe way.” Richie Howard, president and CEO of AngelTrax, said the 360-degree system is used mostly on automobiles and requires some modification on buses because the setup is dependent upon the length of the vehicle. He cautioned that the 360 system may not be a substitute for side cameras or backup cameras because the system’s lack of depth of field. “When you use a 360-degree camera you may get three to four feet on the side of the bus, but if you need to see what’s happening in the adjoining lanes or across the street, you won’t get that,” Howard said. Transportation officials and manufacturers agree that cost is a major factor in school districts’ lukewarm attitudes toward the 360-degree system, but that is slowly changing. “Te popularity of the system has increased within the past year,” Jetha said. “It’s still a relatively new product. Even on the transit side of things it is gaining popularity because of the pedestrian issue in urban areas.” Montes suggested the 360 system would gain popularity quicker among school districts if the price were right. “It is a good safety tool for drivers to have,” Montes said. “Of course cost is always the reason why school districts may not be purchasing the system yet. As the price comes down, school districts may be able to afford it.” l
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
