Nothing is more important than safeguarding children. Children on school buses are in a vulnerable position where they depend on the skill of their driver, making ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) more important than ever. They support bus drivers in safely performing their jobs and avoiding issues such as distractions and lane deviation.
These ADAS systems feature innovative technology such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, pedestrian and cyclist warning. All of them can help keep children on school buses much safer.
It’s such an important issue that Blue Bird buses have added Mobileye ADAS systems to their fleet of buses. “While other systems take control of the vehicle in certain situations, Mobileye’s collision avoidance system gives full control to the driver and has proven to greatly reduce collisions when properly used,” Blue Bird wrote on its website.
These systems can also be added to existing buses that were originally built without ADAS. Experts can install collision avoidance systems that work just as well as factory-installed systems.
How ADAS Can Support Bus Drivers
ADAS systems can provide valuable support to school bus drivers in their daily operations. Some of the main benefits include the following.
Collision Avoidance
ADAS systems equipped with collision avoidance systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the area around the school bus. These systems can detect potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, or objects and provide real-time alerts to the driver. By alerting the driver to potential hazards, ADAS helps school bus drivers take preventive action.
Blind Spot Detection
School buses have large blind spots due to their size and design. ADAS systems with blind spot detection capabilities can help drivers identify vehicles or pedestrians that may be in their blind spots. This feature provides visual or audible warnings to the driver, allowing them to make safer lane changes and maneuvers.
Lane Departure Warning
Lane departure warning systems in ADAS can help school bus drivers stay within their designated lanes. If the bus starts to drift out of its lane, the system provides alerts to notify the driver, helping them maintain proper lane discipline and reduce the risk of collisions.
Forward Collision Warning
ADAS systems with forward collision warning can detect potential front-end collisions with vehicles or objects ahead. When the system senses an impending collision, it alerts the driver, giving them time to react and apply the necessary braking or evasive maneuvers to avoid or mitigate the impact.
Pedestrian Detection
School buses often encounter pedestrians, especially around school zones or bus stops. ADAS systems with pedestrian detection can help identify pedestrians in the vicinity of the bus and provide warnings to the driver if there is a potential risk of collision. This feature enhances driver awareness and helps prevent accidents involving pedestrians.
By integrating ADAS systems into school buses, drivers can benefit from added safety features, increased awareness of their surroundings, and real-time alerts for potential hazards. These systems, in addition to the driver’s skills and experience, can enhance safety for children on school buses. It’s an addition that can help every school bus fleet.
