Buses equipped with technology to improve safety for students and drivers

Yuma, Arizona (KYMA, KECY) – School buses across Yuma County are safer thanks to a $785,000 grant from the Arizona Transportation Modernization Grant Program.

New technology is being added to school buses that can reduce stress for parents and drivers.

All school buses will be equipped with cameras, turn-by-turn navigation systems and location monitoring for students.

Location tracking allows parents to quickly see where their child is on the bus and what time they arrive or leave.

Ana Hernandez, 4th grade parent, says this will help parents and bus drivers in many ways.

“These bus drivers carry our precious luggage. They take our babies to school. We rely on them a lot,” says Hernandez. . “So let’s make it easy for them and for parents. I’m glad they’re doing this and investing in our kids.”

She says that being able to find her child’s bus at any time gives her peace of mind.

“Because when the lockdown was put in place by Gila Ridge, all the schools there were also locked down, so my daughter was going to one of those schools. So whether she actually went to school or her bus was one of those rerouted,” Hernandez said. “If the route changed, I had to pick up my child immediately. If I was in school, I had to wait until the lockdown was lifted. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know where she was.

Another big help is a camera that can capture any problem, such as bus bullying.

“So the parents stopped by us and asked us, ‘Hey, did your daughter see what happened? Do you know who did this first?’ want to know what’s going on, but bus drivers prioritize driving,” continues Hernandez.

The Yuma Schools Transportation Consortium says all school buses will be equipped with these safety improvements within two years.