The issue of forgetting children on school transportation vehicles has become a significant safety concern. To address this, various technological solutions and operational processes have been developed to minimize the risks. In this article, we will explore how to prevent this issue, introduce the child-forgetting prevention system, and discuss practical applications of this system in SBS school buses.
How to Prevent Forgetting Children on School Transportation Vehicles?
Forgetting children on vehicles can have serious consequences, so specific procedures and measures are necessary to prevent it. Here are some simple yet effective ways to reduce the risk:
- Thorough Attendance Procedures: Before the vehicle departs and after the students get off, the driver or staff should perform roll call to ensure all students are safely on or off the vehicle.
- End-of-Vehicle Check: The driver should develop the habit of checking the entire vehicle, especially the back seats and hidden corners, before closing the door and leaving.
- Communication Between School and Parents: Continuous communication between the school/service provider and parents ensures updates on the child’s status after each trip, helping ensure no student is left behind on the bus.
- Utilizing Technology: The child-forgetting prevention system is an effective technological advancement that prevents incidents with automated alerts, combining human oversight and technology to ensure children’s safety when using school transportation services.
What Is the Child-Forgetting Prevention System?
Child-Forgetting Prevention System
The child-forgetting prevention system is a technological solution designed to minimize the chances of children being forgotten on transportation vehicles, especially school buses. This system typically includes automatic & intelligent alarms, which are triggered when the vehicle stops.
Operating Principles
The operating principles of this system are simple yet effective:
- Automatic Activation When the Engine is Turned Off: When the driver turns off the vehicle’s engine, the child-forgetting prevention system automatically activates. This is an intelligent mechanism designed to remind the driver to thoroughly check the vehicle before completing the school transportation process.
- Automatic Alarm: Once the vehicle stops and the engine is off, an alarm will sound, prompting the driver to check the entire vehicle. The alarm will not turn off until the driver takes the next step.
- Check the Back of the Vehicle to Turn Off the Alarm: The driver must walk to the back of the vehicle to turn off the alarm. This mandatory step ensures that the driver inspects the entire vehicle, making sure no child is left behind.
- Lock the Vehicle After Completing the Check: Once the alarm is turned off and no children are left on the vehicle, the driver can lock the door and conclude the transportation process. This procedure guarantees that the vehicle has been thoroughly checked before it is left unattended.
This system not only helps prevent incidents of forgotten children but also raises driver awareness and responsibility in ensuring student safety.
Practical Application in SBS School Buses
SBS Transport is one of the pioneers in implementing the child-forgetting prevention system in their school transportation vehicles. This is an important step in ensuring absolute safety for young children on their way to school.
- Automatic Activation System: All SBS buses are equipped with the child-forgetting prevention system, ensuring that drivers follow the complete inspection process every time the vehicle stops and the engine is turned off.
- Mandatory Full Vehicle Check: To deactivate the alarm system, SBS drivers are required to inspect the entire vehicle, especially the back seats, where students are most likely to be overlooked. Only after the check is completed and the alarm is turned off can the driver lock the door and conclude the trip.
- Driver and Staff Training: SBS not only relies on technology but also focuses on training staff on safe vehicle inspection procedures. Drivers are carefully instructed on how to use the child-forgetting prevention system and must strictly follow procedures to avoid errors.
The implementation of this system has provided peace of mind to parents and schools, ensuring that students are always safe on every SBS bus journey.
