Rosco Inc. introduced its new Smart-Vision STSK6630 Rearview Mirror/Monitor backup camera system for large buses.

With safety a priority in student and public transportation, backing up large transit or yellow school buses creates a potentially dangerous situation, with the combination of limited visibility and the need to maneuver around students, pedestrians and other vehicles. Bus drivers have relied on safety protocol, such as backup alarms, four-way hazard lights and horns, and the use of adult spotters as recommended by National Safety Council. However, the Smart-Vision backup camera system is a more advanced driver aide for large buses that includes a camera mounted on the back of the bus sending images to a monitor installed inside the rear view mirror of the bus.

The 6 inch x 30 inch rearview mirror/monitor installation is the same as any other large bus interior rearview mirror. The backup cameras are also installed like any other system, and the camera harness is simply connected to the monitor. In the Smart-Vision STSK6630 rearview camera system, a 7-inch LCD monitor is automatically displayed on the interior rearview mirror when the vehicle shifts into reverse allowing the driver to see behind the bus.

Once the driver shifts into other modes of bus operation, a normal mirror view reappears. Large buses equipped with the Smart-Vision rearview camera systems have options for multiple cameras, including side and interior cameras. An automatic monitor view changes based on the operational conditions of the bus or preference of the driver.

An efficient rearview camera can also end up saving large bus fleets money by preventing accidents, expensive repairs and insurance claims.