SAFE FLEET BLOG

Every school morning, an invisible line is crossed that puts our children’s lives at stake. Within the 10 feet surrounding a school bus—known as the “Danger Zone”—lies a growing, urgent crisis. Illegal school bus passing has increased in record numbers.  

The 2024 NASDPTS Illegal Passing Survey presents a dire statistic: over 45 million violations occur each year, spiraling upwards by 3.9% from last year’s already alarming figures, highlighting the growing challenge of school bus stop arm violations. 

Fortunately, the industry is implementing innovative technologies and comprehensive safety measures to protect our children. Let’s explore the risks in the Danger Zone and the latest efforts to mitigate them. 

Understanding the Risks in the Danger Zone 

The Danger Zone is particularly fraught with hazards due to the high volume of children and the unpredictability of traffic around school buses. Some of the key risks include: 

1. Illegal Passing: Despite the presence of stop arms and flashing lights, many drivers illegally pass stopped school buses, creating a perilous situation for children boarding or disembarking the bus.
2. Limited Visibility: Drivers often have limited visibility of children, especially in low-light conditions or when children are crossing the street.
3. Distracted Driving: The prevalence of distracted driving, including the use of mobile phones, increases the likelihood of accidents in the Danger Zone.
4. Impatient Drivers: Impatient drivers may attempt to overtake stopped school buses, ignoring the safety protocols meant to protect students.
5. Student Behavior: Some students can be unpredictable, have short attention spans and can be easily distracted. They may move too quickly or forget to look both ways before crossing the street. This makes it imperative for drivers to exercise extra caution around school buses and be prepared for sudden movements. 

Efforts to Minimize Risks in the Danger Zone 

The alarming statistics surrounding school bus accidents have prompted a concerted effort from various stakeholders—including school districts, technology providers, and policymakers—to enhance safety measures. Here are some notable advancements: 

Boosting Safety through Awareness and Education 

Teaching drivers and students about school bus safety is crucial. Awareness campaigns about stop-arm laws and the risks of illegal passing play a key role. Additionally, schools and communities instruct students on safe practices like waiting for the bus to fully stop and making eye contact with the driver before crossing. 

Predictive Technologies 

Innovative tools like the Predictive Stop Arm ™ (PSA) use radar and analytics to detect when a vehicle approaching a stopped school bus might not stop in time, giving students seconds to move to safety.  

Enhanced Visibility Features 

High visibility stop arms and driver alert devices ensure buses are more noticeable to drivers, reducing the likelihood of illegal passing.  

Automated Enforcement Systems 

Systems like the Safe Fleet Stop Arm Violation Enforcement System (SAVES) are transforming violation detection and enforcement.  High-resolution cameras accurately record illegal passing incidents, aiding law enforcement with solid evidence to prosecute offenders and promote safe driving practices. 

SAVES and The Illegal Passing Suite 

One of the most comprehensive approaches to tackling the problem of illegal school bus passing is the Safe Fleet Illegal Passing Suite, which includes the innovative SAVES system. This suite of technologies provides a multi-layered strategy to enhance school bus safety. 

• Safe Fleet Illuminated Stop Arm
  The Illuminated Stop Arm features a highly reflective decal and the word “STOP” brightly backlit with LEDs, making it readable at 100 yards and visible at over 250 yards. This exceptional visibility drastically reduces the likelihood of illegal passing.  

• Driver Alert Device
  The Driver Alert Device complements the stop arm by alerting drivers to the presence of a stopping or stopped school bus, mounted at the back of the bus, the device flashes “Caution – Stopping” when the bus slows down and “Stop Do Not Pass” when it’s stopped, and the stop arm is deployed. 

• Predictive Stop Arm™ (PSA)
  The Predictive Stop Arm combines radar and predictive analytics to monitor approaching vehicles and predict potential stop arm violations. When a threat is detected, the system warns students, giving them a precious 3-4 seconds to avoid danger.

• Stop Arm Violation Enforcement System™ (SAVES)
  The responsive and crucial component of the Safe Fleet Illegal Passing Suite is the SAVES system. This advanced enforcement tool uses high-resolution cameras and sophisticated AI algorithms to capture and document illegal passings with over 98% accuracy. SAVES not only captures still images of the violating vehicle but also records video evidence and details such as the vehicle’s make, model, license plate number, location, and time of the offense. This comprehensive evidence package ensures violations hold up in court. 

SAVES outperforms similar solutions by delivering: 

• Unmatched Accuracy: The system’s high accuracy rate minimizes false positives and ensures genuine violations are efficiently processed. 

• Superior Evidence Collection: Multiple camera views, high-definition footage and advanced machine learning provides irrefutable evidence that supports law enforcement actions. 

• Flexible Contracts: SAVES offers tailored business models, ensuring school districts do not overpay as violation rates decline through increased compliance. 

• Proven Technology: Deployed by some of the largest and most exacting transit and law enforcement agencies, SAVES has a proven track record of reliability and effectiveness. 

 The Role of Legislation and Community Involvement 

Legislation plays a pivotal role in ensuring safety measures are enforced effectively. Many states have enacted laws requiring the installation of automated enforcement systems on school buses.  

Community involvement is also crucial. Parents, educators, and local authorities must work together to advocate for safer school transportation policies and practices. 

Looking Forward: A Collective Effort for Safer Roads 

Achieving zero injuries in the school bus Danger Zone requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. By embracing innovative technologies, enhancing visibility, and promoting awareness and education, we can create a safer environment for our children. The journey to school should be filled with excitement and learning, not fraught with danger. 

Advancements in safety technology, such as SAVES and the Illegal Passing Suite, are promising steps toward a future where every child can travel to and from school securely. Let’s continue to support these efforts, advocate for robust safety protocols, and stay committed to protecting our most precious passengers. 

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Learn more about SAVES and the Illegal Passing Suite