The program works by combining Safety Vision’s 360-degree camera, which gives the driver a complete view around the exterior of the bus when activated with Mobileye’s system, alerting the driver to potential dangers on the road and allowing them to act before an incident occurs. This safety solution gives drivers more confidence on the road, while helping to prevent major accidents.
Some of these visual alerts include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), which notifies of imminent rear-end collision with a vehicle ahead, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which alerts if the vehicle leaves a driving lane without a turn signal, as well as Pedestrian and Cyclist Collision Warning (PCW), which warns of imminent collision with a pedestrian or cyclist ahead.
“Safety is always at top-of-mind for Blue Bird, and adding a collision avoidance system to our buses is an excellent way to continue to transport our most precious cargo safely, and effectively,” said David Bercik, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Blue Bird Corporation. “Combining a 360-camera with a collision avoidance system is a fantastic way to make our buses safer and easier to drive. Mobileye is another example of Blue Bird’s drive in bringing features seen in day-to-day personal vehicle usage to the school bus industry.”
When the Mobileye system has been used in other applications, end users showed up to 90% reductions in collision related costs, as well as up to 90% reductions in collision-related insurance claims. Increased safety by assisting operation of the vehicle can help with bus driver shortages that are currently being faced, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Historically, on-board technology placed on school buses would capture faults of drivers, but Mobileye technology does not measure driver performance, instead it provides driver assistance,” said Clint Bryer, director of sales, student transportation for Safety Vision. “Having the right technology shows drivers you care about their peace of mind, while reducing accidents and helping them retain a good driving record.”
School districts will be able to have this technology factory-installed on their newly-ordered Blue Bird buses, as well as installed on their existing bus fleet through their local Blue Bird dealer. For more information on the Mobileye collision avoidance system, visit www.blue-bird.com/mobileye.