Transporting students to and from school safely is a top priority for parents and school districts. With technology transforming the landscape of this crucial process, tablets for school bus drivers have become essential. In this blog, we discuss the impact of these devices on student safety, explore the benefits of technology in school transportation, and take a look into the current US school district situation.
So, wait, isn’t it dangerous?
It is clear that drivers need to avoid distractions while operating a school bus and to use tablets responsibly. And this seems to be the case in the US. A survey by School Transportation News found that 82% of the school bus drivers who used a mobile device while driving only did so for navigation and communication with dispatch or school officials. This statistic suggests that most school bus drivers who use a tablet do so for work-related purposes and in a responsible manner. For the remaining 18%, many school transportation software programs can limit access to specific websites or activities and restrict tablet usage solely to work-related tasks.
While some may be concerned about including tablets in school buses, tablets equipped with transportation software can enhance safety and efficiency on the road.
Benefits of having tablets in your school fleet
As the role of technology in education continues to expand, more schools are recognizing the value of tablets in their fleets. Here are some of the key benefits of installing tablets for school bus drivers:
Enhancing communication: Tablets allow drivers and transportation staff to communicate in real-time, which can help with route changes, traffic updates, and any other emergencies. This ensures drivers have the most up-to-date information and can take the necessary actions to keep students safe.
Improving student safety: By integrating with other equipment, tablets can enhance the safety and efficiency of daily school bus commutes. For instance, by combining tablets with RFID scanners, drivers can access information on each student that enters the bus, including their name, address, and pick-up/drop-off location. This technology can help ensure that no student is left behind.
Real-time GPS tracking: Tablets for school bus drivers, such as tablets with transportation software, provide real-time GPS tracking to help drivers stay on schedule and avoid getting lost. This ensures students arrive at school on time, reducing wait times and—as mentioned in the next point—improving the efficiency of student transportation.
Improving efficiency and productivity: Giving drivers access to real-time information can significantly enhance your fleet’s and drivers’ efficiency. With this level of insight, drivers can better manage their routes, avoid delays, and make more informed decisions about their driving. Ultimately, this can result in a smoother and more efficient transportation experience for students and parents while reducing drivers’ workload and increasing job satisfaction.
Are school districts using tablets for school bus drivers?
The implementation of tablets in school buses has gained popularity in recent years due to their various advantages to school districts, drivers, and students.
For instance, the Waukesha School District in Wisconsin has successfully integrated tablets into their school buses to enhance safety and communication.
The positive outcomes of this implementation are noteworthy, demonstrating the usefulness of this technology in school transportation.
In conclusion, installing tablets for school bus drivers in the US fleet is rapidly transforming student transportation and bringing numerous benefits to school districts, drivers, and students. While some people may express concerns about the potential dangers of using tablets while driving, it is essential to note that these devices can be used responsibly and safely when equipped with transportation software.
From enhancing communication to improving student safety and streamlining operations, there are numerous benefits of having tablets in a school fleet. As technology continues to advance, it is clear that tablets will continue to play an increasingly important role in the educational system.
Introducing Busology Tech’s Tablets on School Buses
Busology Tech’s powerful tools for improving the safety and efficiency of school transportation —including real-time GPS tracking, ridership attendance, instant communication between drivers, administrators, and parents, and optimized bus routes — will be available at your driver’s fingertips, right inside the bus.
For more information on how Busology can help simplify and streamline school transportation, book a FREE demo, or schedule a meeting with one of our agents.