Safety-focused NGO Together for Safer Roads (TSR) announced the expansion of its Truck of the Future (TOF) Program to include a “School Bus of the Future” extension. 

This initiative is part of the ambitious, multi-pronged School Bus Safety Transition Plan released by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services and the NYC Department of Education Office of Pupil Transportation. The “School Bus of the Future” pilot focuses on mitigating blind zones via technology such as surround cameras, in-cab driver alerting systems like pedestrian collision warning (PCW) and back up sensors.

The long-term goal is to effect school bus design that increases direct vision. This pilot will also provide near-miss collision reporting and analysis.

TSR’s original Truck of the Future Program works to address the critical safety issue of blind zones in commercial trucks. It enables participating cities and companies to equip their fleets with hardware and software solutions and receive comprehensive training and support. 

The Problem

Driver skill alone cannot overcome what is in their sight. School buses face a unique set of challenges due to limited visibility. This poses difficulties for drivers in making the safest choices, especially in densely populated and residential areas.

The Solution

Building on the success of the Truck of the Future Program, TSR and NYC DCAS, in conjunction with video telematics partners, will implement a new Vulnerable Road User Detection System on school buses. This technology utilizes advanced camera systems to provide a comprehensive 360-degree view around the vehicle, offering real-time feedback on imminent risks and near-misses. The installation of this system is poised to significantly enhance driver safety and that of schoolchildren, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.