PORTLAND, Ore. — Zonar and Child Check-Mate System have unveiled an enhanced integration between their two platforms that officials say further improves child safety and security.

In addition to monitoring the child-check procedures of each bus driver, this integration allows school districts to passively monitor vehicles after hours for unauthorized access. Districts utilizing both Child Check-Mate’s technology and Zonar’s GPS/telematics solution can now verify that the Child Check-Mate system is active on each bus and receive instant alerts if movement is detected after hours.

At the end of a school bus route, drivers are often required to check their vehicles thoroughly for sleeping children. The Child Check-Mate system helps to ensure no child is left unattended on a vehicle, according to the company. The system is an electronic alarm that reminds drivers to check for sleeping children upon completion of each route.

By connecting the Child Check-Mate system to Zonar, operators will be able to verify that the system is active. When a child or intruder is detected after hours, managers can receive real-time alerts. This adds another safeguard to the post-trip inspection, increases passenger safety and may reduce vandalism, the companies said.

"By integrating Child Check-Mate with Zonar, we are able to add several innovative and unique features,” said Gordon Both, president of Child Check-Mate System Inc. “We're excited to offer these benefits to both new and existing customers."

Officials also said that Zonar is the first GPS/telematics solution to integrate with Child Check-Mate System’s Theft Mate. The Child Check-Mate system can be upgraded with the optional Theft Mate and Double Check features for enhanced bus security.

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