A new Student Detection System (SDS) is being trialed on school buses in Plainsboro, New Jersey, designed to improve safety by detecting movement within a 10-foot radius. This innovative system provides bus drivers with real-time alerts about the proximity of children around the bus, a critical feature for preventing accidents during boarding and disembarking. The initiative is gaining traction as New Jersey lawmakers consider "Abigail's Law," which would require all new school buses to be equipped with similar sensor technology. The proposed law is named after Abigail Kuberiet, an 18-month-old who tragically lost her life in a school bus accident, and her father advocates for the legislation to prevent similar incidents. Bus driver Bob O'Sullivan highlights the importance of adapting to new safety measures, while Mike Gaborcik from Rostra Precision Controls explains that the sensors are designed to function effectively in various weather conditions.

The push for enhanced safety features aligns with ongoing efforts to protect students, with bus company owner Eric Raphael noting that half of New Jersey's school buses could have these sensors in seven years. As the conversation around school bus safety continues, the SDS presents a promising advancement in protecting the lives of children.