School Bus Video Trends: More Coverage, Fewer Cameras?

Why the Exterior of the School Bus is the Most Dangerous Area for Students

While onboard safety is paramount, the exterior of the school bus has emerged as a critical zone for heightened vigilance. This area poses a unique set of dangers for students as they enter or exit the vehicle, making it a growing emphasis in school bus video surveillance. Here's a closer look at why:

• Increased Vulnerability: Students are most vulnerable when they are outside the controlled environment of the bus. They are often focused on getting on or off the bus, talking with friends, or adjusting belongings, making them less aware of their surroundings. This can lead to them stepping into traffic without looking properly.
• Blind Spots: Large school buses have extensive blind spots, particularly around the front and rear corners. Drivers may not see a young child who has darted out to cross the street or who has fallen while disembarking. Exterior cameras can provide a crucial second view, helping drivers identify potential hazards.
• Stop-Arm Violations: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 50,000 reported incidents of drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended in 2020. These violations endanger students as they cross the street. Stop-arm cameras specifically capture these incidents, providing evidence for prosecution and deterring future violations.
• Distracted Drivers: Unfortunately, distracted driving is a growing problem. Drivers may be texting, talking on the phone, or simply not paying attention, increasing the risk of accidents when students are outside the bus. Exterior cameras can help capture footage of these incidents, providing valuable evidence in case of accidents.

By implementing exterior monitoring cameras, schools can gain a wider field of view around the bus, addressing these blind spots and potential hazards. Stop-arm cameras provide a powerful tool to enforce traffic laws and deter dangerous violations. Ultimately, these exterior cameras can play a vital role in creating a safer environment for students during the most critical moments of their school bus journey.

Keeping students safe is a top priority for school districts. In recent years, school bus video surveillance systems have seen interesting trends, reported by Safety Vision experts, that address this need. Here's a breakdown of two key trends:

1. Wider Coverage with Fewer Cameras:

Traditionally, school buses relied on multiple cameras to capture activity inside the bus. However, the emergence of wide-angle cameras has changed the game. These cameras provide a broader view of the student seating area , allowing districts to achieve better coverage with fewer cameras. It is crucial for drivers to have an extensive view of the student seating area, to monitor conflicts and ensure safety procedures are being followed by student riders. This translates to reduced installation and maintenance costs.

Product: 41AHD Series 

Description: The 41AHD series cameras—both 720p and 1080p versions—capture HD images for clear video evidence. Recommended for interior camera placements, the 41AHD series are available with IRs for day/night functionality and without IRs for a windshield camera view. The mini-dome housing is vibration-proof and tamper-resistant, featuring a compact size to maximize available space on the vehicle.

2. Increased Focus on Exterior Surveillance:

The TotalView HD system provides a 360° view of vehicle surroundings, allowing drivers to maneuver and park with more ease. Using four wide-angle cameras positioned on each side of the vehicle to create a single bird’s eye view, TotalView “sees what you can’t see” for navigating even in the tightest of spaces. Each camera offers a 200° field of view in 1080p HD resolution and is completely waterproof with an IP69K rating. TotalView HD is compatible with any of Safety Vision’s HD monitors and can provide a split screen bird’s eye view + a view from any of the four compact cameras.

Product: TotalView HD Kit

Description: Enhance your Samsara AI Dash Cam experience with Safety Vision's comprehensive camera kit, which seamlessly integrates a multi-view monitor, one rear vision and two exterior side vision perspectives to complement the existing front and driver camera views. With the added rear and side vision, you gain full coverage and a heightened level of awareness, allowing for better monitoring of your surroundings and enhancing overall safety. Maximize the utility of your Samsara AI Dash Cam with this valuable addition to your camera setup.

Benefits of these Trends:

• Enhanced Student Safety: Wider interior coverage and exterior monitoring offer a more comprehensive view of potential safety concerns.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Wide-angle cameras reduce the number of cameras needed, leading to lower upfront and maintenance costs.
• Improved Driver Awareness: Exterior cameras can help drivers identify potential hazards around the bus during boarding and maneuvering.

The future of school bus video surveillance is evolving to prioritize both efficiency and comprehensive safety coverage. Recent trends, as highlighted by Safety Vision experts, emphasize the critical need for exterior monitoring and the advantages of wide-angle camera technology.

Focusing on the area outside the school bus addresses the heightened vulnerability of students during boarding and disembarking. By implementing exterior cameras, school districts can mitigate risks associated with blind spots, stop-arm violations, and distracted drivers. These cameras provide invaluable footage that can prevent accidents and ensure student safety.

Simultaneously, the shift towards wider coverage with fewer cameras inside the bus enhances monitoring capabilities while reducing costs. Wide-angle cameras, such as those in the 41AHD series, offer extensive views of the student seating area, ensuring that drivers can maintain a vigilant eye on student behavior and safety procedures.

Additionally, systems like TotalView HD further enhance driver awareness by providing a 360° view of the bus's surroundings, improving maneuverability and overall safety.

These advancements in school bus video surveillance represent a significant step forward in creating a safer and more cost-effective transportation environment for students. By adopting these trends, school districts can ensure a higher standard of safety and efficiency, ultimately safeguarding students during their daily journeys.