The school bus of today has come a long way from buses of the past. A whole host of features ranging from tracking equipment, on board cameras, and seat belts are just a few features that can be found inside its signature yellow exterior. This technology is designed to improve both driver function and student safety. Rightfully so as thousands of these vehicles carry students of all ages from home to school and back again.
The traveling school bus
A factor that determines what type of equipment is used on a bus is the location where it travels as well as the time of year. Air conditioning and tinted windows can be found on buses in school districts with hot climates, while traction devices and more aggressive tires may be found on buses that run in colder climates. Throughout the year the driver is subject to certain conditions that require the proper attention and equipment to get their job done in a safe and timely manner.
Operation in colder climates
For bus drivers in Northern countrys the winter season can be especially challenging. There are instances where the driver has to focus on what is going on inside the bus as well as the changing conditions outside. Depending on the location some school buses can and may operate in conditions that range from a wintry mix, to snow, and even ice.
Traction on snow and ice
The Onspot automatic snow chain system is a device used on school buses to provide traction on snow and ice when conditions are less than ideal. The driver simply flips the dashboard switch to engage the chain system when needed and then flips it off again when the road is clear. Unlike other traction devices the system is easy to maintain and operate. The driver never has to exit the bus leaving it unattended.
A look ahead to next season
Although the winter season is ending across the Northern hemisphere there is still a focus on the automatic snow chain system. For those fleets currently running Onspot it may be an assessment and servicing of the units or perhaps driver training. While for those without the Onspot system this may be an opportune time to evaluate the past winter season, see if their traction requirements were met, evaluate, and rethink their current methods of operation. Follow the link below to learn more about the benefits of the Onspot automatic snow chain system.
