Blue Bird to unveil new safety options, adds dealer

Blue Bird Corp. will unveil safety camera and danger zone awareness technology available as new options for its buses at an industry event.

On the company’s next generation Propane-Powered Vision, the company will feature Safestop-HD, a high-definition stop-arm camera system. With Safestop-HD, which is available exclusively from Blue Bird, a camera is mounted on the bus under the stop arm and begins recording at the moment the stop arm is activated. The camera has the ability to capture vehicle information of drivers who illegally pass the activated stop arm, and the data is stored and can be easily retrieved from the built-in recorder.  

The company will also showcase Smart-Vision, a combination rearview mirror and camera system from Rosco Vision Systems. Officials said the technology features a small camera placed at the rear of the bus that translates a live image of the back of the bus when it is in reverse. The high-resolution live image is viewable from the driver’s rearview mirror.

Finally, the Child Alert Rapid Eyedentification System utilizes Doppler radar technology to alert bus drivers of the presence of a person in the danger zone under and around the bus. The system sends an alarm to alert the driver of a possible presence in the danger zone, and it does not need input from the driver to operate. Alarms and voice communications outside the bus warn pedestrians in the danger zone.

“Blue Bird is pleased to offer these exciting new options to the school bus marketplace,” said John Kwapis, chief operating officer. “These options are an extension of Blue Bird’s commitment to providing the industry with state-of-the-art, valuable safety technology that supports optimal school bus safety.”

All of the systems will be on view during the STN Expo in Reno, Nev., on July 24.

In other news, a new company has joined Blue Bird’s dealership network. Hoover Truck Centers will serve the state of New Jersey.

Officials said that Hoover Truck Centers, established in 1966, is a family-run dealership known for its comprehensive customer sales and service support. The company has three locations with experienced sales staff, full-service parts and service technicians.

“The signing of a first-class dealer such as Hoover Truck Centers provides Blue Bird with outstanding sales and service throughout New Jersey,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO. “Hoover Truck Centers has been a leading transportation and vocational equipment provider in New Jersey for 46 years, and we are delighted to have them join our solid team of North American dealers.”

Bob Hoover, president of Hoover Truck Centers, said that the company is pleased to offer its services for Blue Bird's customers in New Jersey.

"Blue Bird is a globally recognized brand, known for its safe, reliable and innovative buses, and Hoover Truck Centers is proud to join Blue Bird's team of dealers," he added.

For more information on Hoover Truck Centers, visit www.hoovertruckcenters.com, and for more information on Blue Bird’s product line, or to locate a dealer, visit www.blue-bird.com.