Improved Safety Around Osceola County School Buses Thanks to New Technology

The Osceola School District in Florida unveiled a new technology aimed at improving safety in and around school buses. The district partnered with Smart Radar System, Inc. (SRS) to equip a school bus with a prototype system that electronically scans for pedestrians when the bus is stopped. Randy Wheeler, the director of transportation, expressed optimism about the system’s potential to enhance student safety.

The system utilizes radar sensors installed on the exterior of the bus to create a 360-degree detection zone. These sensors detect movement around the bus and alert the driver with warning lights and sound alarms. Additionally, radar sensors installed under the bus can detect foreign objects that are not visible to the driver.

Inside the bus, sensors are mounted to detect passengers on board, reducing the risk of a child being left behind. The partnership between SRS and the school district is part of an effort to establish the tech company’s regional headquarters in NeoCity, creating technology jobs and improving safety in the community.

While the technology is still being developed and awaiting final approval, Osceola County could be one of the first districts to implement the system pending evaluation and approval by the Florida Department of Education. This innovative approach aims to enhance student safety and create a safer environment for schools and communities in Osceola County.