well in advance of the intersection, so drivers can prepare and keep their eye on the road.” State or local policies may also help


ensure safe operations. In Kentucky, for example, tablets must be mounted in a location that doesn’t interfere with the driver’s view of the roadway, mirrors or component controls. They also must have the ability to go dark and silent when the vehicle is in motion, as well as be removable and firmly secured in place when mounted.


Exploring Efficiencies Indiana’s Randolph said he encour- ages others to explore the efficiencies provided by tablets. “It’s helpful to embrace technology and not shy away from it,” he said. “It can only help improve your operations and driver sat-


isfaction when deployed appropriately.” The best approach is taking things


slowly so you can address any concerns or challenges early, Johnson advised. “We saw an opportunity to not only


support our parents, schools and dis- patchers but to increase driver safety and route efficiency, which in turn would improve the on-time network and driver retention and recruitment,” he added. Meanwhile, Creach in Florida strong-


ly recommends the use of tablets for districts that can afford them. He cited the real-time access to student informa- tion, routing/stop data and schedules for drivers, payroll accuracy, driver accountability and the data precision/ flexibility of the systems. “All this provides reduced labor oppor-


tunities and increases efficiency across the board,” he concluded. ●


43%


of readers in states that allow tablets on school buses have installed the devices


(Out of 111 responses.)


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