school bus service companies become more familiar with the systems and see their value.” Virginia’s Anderson said, “It would take money to fund an initiative of this magnitude, collaboration on a massive scale to get input and agreement from all enti- ties and need all stakeholders at the table. Vendors need to be a part of the conversations so they can negotiate terms and feasibility of requests.” Morosin pointed out federal mandates such as NHTSA’s
proposed rule to mandate Automatic Emergency Braking (technology already widely available in both passenger vehicles and school buses) helps drive timely acceptance and investment in new safety systems. “To ensure we are compliant as an OEM, we must fol-
low these processes to introduce new features into some markets. When you look at the state and provincial or lo- cal level, the individual specification requirements unique to each market often put up barriers to wider-spread ac- ceptance,” she added. “We work with each state, notifying them of updated specifications, what we are working on, what we recommend and educate to make them aware of our capabilities, potential innovation, and new technolo-
gy as well as details of their requirements which prohibits a new, useful feature in their market.” However, the National Transportation Safety Board
called for the required use of collision avoidance and connected vehicle technologies on all vehicles, includ- ing school buses, in its 2021-2022 Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements. So far, NHTSA has only publicly addressed automatic emergency braking for light-duty vehicles, as called for by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “It’s very important to point out these systems have
limitations,” commented Thomas at Bendix. “There are conditions where the system doesn’t sense what’s going on or there’s not enough time to react.” ADAS are driver assistance systems, not driver replace-
ment systems, said Bendix spokeswoman Barbara Gould. “Bendix safety technologies complement safe driving
practices,” she concluded. “No commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver training. Responsibility for the safe operation of the ve- hicle remains with the driver at all times.” ●
40 School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2023
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