BESI Introduces Barrier Designed to Safeguard Against COVID
The Zone Defense Panel is designed to separate the school bus into zones, promoting social distancing and provide an added measure of safety for bus drivers.
The Zone Defense Panel from BESI Inc. is designed to separate the school bus into zones, promoting social distancing and provide an added measure of safety for bus drivers.
Photo courtesy BESI Inc.
BESI Inc. has unveiled its latest product to combat COVID-19 on the school bus: the Zone Defense Panel.
The clear vinyl panel is designed to separate the school bus into zones, promoting social distancing and provide additional protection against the spread of airborne illnesses while meeting requirements set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to a news release from BESI.
The Zone Defense Panel can be mounted on any Type C or Type D school bus utilizing heavy-duty magnets. The panel is also designed with sturdy webbing and high-grade vinyl, providing durability and visual clarity, according to the company.
The panel is currently being used in multiple states by numerous school districts and transportation operators as a partition between the driver and passengers to provide an added measure of safety for employees.
Customers can contact their local BESI distributor for additional information about the Zone Defense Panel.
In addition, BESI is now offering a personal protective equipment (PPE) kit that includes hand sanitizer, a reusable mask, latex gloves, and a carrying case, according to the company.
More Safety
Another School Bus Fatality Reported in Monsey, New York
A 7-year-old girl died after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York while crossing the street. Here's what we know.
Read More →
NSTA Announces 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Winners
Drivers from across the U.S. and Canada showcased their safety and driving skills, with two defending champions successfully retaining their titles.
Read More →
The Driver Shortage Playbook
Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.
Read More →
Pro-Vision Launches AI-Powered 360° Camera System
The new Birdseye camera delivers real-time AI-based pedestrian and vehicle detections, full visibility around the bus, and telematics integrations.
Read More →
N.Y. & N.J. Coalitions Call for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students
New statewide coalitions in New York and New Jersey are urging lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.
Read More →
America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse
Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate
Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.
Read More →
Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas
Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
Read More →
Florida District Relaunches BusPatrol School Bus Camera Program With New Safeguards
After being suspended over due process concerns, Miami-Dade schools and law enforcement are restarting the AI-powered stop-arm camera program with new oversight.
Read More →
School Bus Laws To Watch: Seat Belt Bills, Funding Fights & EV Changes
From national bills on seat belts and driver oversight to driver awareness campaigns referencing “Finn’s Rule” and ongoing transportation funding debates in Alaska, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →