hours of video, said Howard. “Video verification of the event’s context is so import-
ant,” he added. “The integrated six-axis accelerometer detects potential issues, but a trained professional still makes the final determination.” The system allows fleet supervisors to reduce liability
by cutting down on bad driving behaviors and proving good drivers weren’t at fault during incidents beyond their control, said Howard. “With fully automated event scoring based on the
driver’s performance, school districts can use driver be- havior information to make personalized, driver-direct coaching personalized for each driver,” he said, adding reports can also be used for awards and driver recogni- tion programs. Districts can use the data to identify trends, such as if
multiple drivers are experiencing frequent issues at the same intersection or along the same route to help im- prove routing and overall transportation safety planning. “Using driver behavior information improves driver
satisfaction, increases fleet safety, reduces legal expenses and preserves the school district’s image,” Howard noted.
Identifying Driver Distress “This technology continues to be refined to assist with
the safe student transportation,” Summit School Service’s Silbernagel said. “Can cameras identify signs that a driv- er needs a break, is physically uncomfortable or may be distracted by basic needs during a route? If drivers need bathroom breaks, can camera or route data help identify stress points in the day? “The cameras detect driver behaviors while the vehicle
is powered on. There are indicators for certain types of distracted driving scenarios. We are continuously learning how best to support our drivers and students by conducting ongoing review and coaching.” Bryer added that cameras can observe symptoms of
distress without understanding the underlying cause. “What they cannot do yet is distinguish between this
driver is drowsy because it’s 6 a.m., and this driver has been holding it for two hours, and there’s nowhere to stop. That distinction requires layering telematics and route data on top of camera data.” Route analytics can in theory flag long stretches with-
out viable rest stops, or identify time-of-day patterns where fatigue events spike, said Bryer. “AI uses algorithms to better understand the routes a bus can take, factoring in external conditions such as traffic and road closures. Everything happens in real time, so each journey is updated as it unfolds,” he said. “However, applying that same data layer to driver physi- ological needs like scheduling bathroom breaks on long
46 School Transportation News • JULY 2026
runs is not a standard feature yet, representing a logical next step in what vendors call driver wellness analytics.” Ahn noted advanced driver-facing cameras double
as driver monitoring systems, analyzing facial cues and posture for signs of fatigue or discomfort. The system interprets continuous fidgeting, stretching,
frequent yawns and eyelid closures as potential fatigue or physical stress indicators and can alert the driver to take a break at the next safe opportunity, Ahn said. “School bus routes are shorter than long-haul truck- ing runs, so outright driver exhaustion mid-route is less common. However, drivers often work split shifts (early morning and afternoon) and could experience fatigue from irregular hours or consecutive early mornings,” she said. AI-enhanced cameras can flag subtle early signs, so a
transportation supervisor might reassign a particularly strenuous route or ensure the driver gets a rest before an afternoon run, she added. “By correlating video insights with route data, districts
can identify stress points in the day. Maybe a particular school’s dismissal runs later than planned, causing a driver to skip a planned pause,” said Ahn. While AI camera systems are becoming increasingly
sophisticated in recognizing patterns and behaviors associated with reduced attention, the systems are not diagnosing medical conditions or interpreting personal needs with certainty, said Howard, adding AI is a tool to assist transportation departments, not replace human judgment.
Navigating Driver Privacy Bryer noted the key to overcoming the issue of driver
privacy, trust and concerns about being constantly monitored is clear communication and transparency. This can demonstrate how the technology is designed to support drivers, improve safety and prevent mistakes “rather than punish or surveil them, and treating the camera as a co-pilot rather than a supervisor changes the perception.” The IPWSAICAM privacy feature allows the interior camera and microphone to be disabled when the vehicle is completely stopped so the driver can make a personal call or eat lunch without being recorded. “At the end of the day, trust comes from consistency, fairness and clear communication,” Howard said. A common best practice is to involve drivers and
unions, early on. Clearly communicate why the cameras are being installed and set boundaries on how footage and alerts will be used, Ahn said. She added that maintaining driver buy-in also in- volves emphasizing the mutual benefits of smart
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