Why Exterior Cameras are a Rare Sight on School Bus Fleets
When we consider school bus safety, our immediate thought is about the children onboard. However, the exterior of the bus also plays a crucial role in safety, especially when kids are boarding or exiting. While interior cameras are common in school buses, exterior cameras are rare.
1. Cost Considerations
The most evident reason is the cost. School districts often operate within tight budgets. Adding exterior cameras, along with the necessary wiring, storage, and maintenance, can be an added expense that many districts find hard to justify, especially if they have not experienced significant incidents outside the bus.
2. Vandalism and Theft
Exterior cameras, given their placement, are susceptible to theft and vandalism. The cost of replacing or repairing these cameras can be a deterrent for many schools. Moreover, damaged cameras could miss capturing crucial events, leading to gaps in video.
3. Data Storage and Management
Every additional camera contributes to the amount of data generated and, therefore, more storage. Storing this data, managing it, ensuring its privacy, and reviewing it when necessary, adds layers of complexity to the system. With the addition of these cameras, there’s a need for more extended data retention and additional staff hours for video review.
4. Weather and Wear
Exterior cameras face the brunt of the elements. Rain, snow, heat, and cold can affect their performance. Over time, this exposure can degrade the quality or functionality of the camera itself, necessitating replacements.
5. Perceived Limited Utility
While events outside of the bus can happen, interior incidents, like student misbehavior and potential altercations, tend to be more frequent. This is why school administrators often prioritize cameras inside the bus rather than investing in exterior surveillance.
The Future of Exterior Cameras on School Buses
While the benefits of exterior cameras on school buses, like monitoring boarding safety and capturing incidents around the bus, are clear, there are legitimate challenges that school districts must consider.
However, as technology continues to advance and become more affordable, it’s possible that the trend could shift towards more comprehensive camera coverage, both inside and out. School districts will always prioritize student safety, and as time moves on, so will the tools school administrators use.
