ELKHART, Ind. Increasing congestion, a shrinking number of motorcoach parking spaces and the high cost of repairing body damage have more coach operators looking at camera-based vision assistance systems.

For years, manufacturers of midsize buses and motorcoaches didnt actively promote rear-view camera systems because of their relatively high cost and because of the old driver training dictum that buses were never to be backed up.

However, todays congestion, limited parking and adverse real-world situations frequently force drivers into all sorts of driving maneuvers, including backing, sometimes with unfortunate results.

According to ASA Electronics, manufacturer of mobile entertainment and safety electronics, an increasing number of coach operators are moving towards blind-spot viewing via camera/monitor systems that can eliminate accidents, prevent injuries, and help reduce maintenance, repair and operating costs.

ASA offers the Voyager observation systems to the bus industry. With Voyager systems, drivers can benefit from the added vision provided by single- or multiple-camera systems designed specifically to aid in the prevention of moving bus accidents.

The systems allow drivers to actually "see" their surroundings beyond the normal scope of vision provided by mirrors.

Not only do they help drivers during backing, but they also aid in changing lanes, merging, and making wide turns. Each Voyager system includes a monitor paired with rear- and/or side-vision observation cameras. Depending on the system installed, up to four observation cameras can be used.

ASA says that one of the fastest growing segments in mobile camera systems is side-vision cameras. The Voyager side cameras offer drivers a horizontal view of 102 degrees, helping them to see three-to-four lanes over on highways while never losing sight of the side of the bus.

The side cameras are available in different housing covers: white, chrome and gray primer (paintable to match the bus) and do not protrude any further than the larger marker or signal lights.

An operator safety advantage of Voyager side cameras is that they can be tied into the turn signals, automatically activating when a turn signal is engaged.

"The side cameras are our fastest growing segment for larger commercial vehicles," says Michael Padrnos, ASA Electronics bus industry manager. "When compared to any audible alerts provided by radar- or sonar-based systems, there really is no comparison to the vision provided to the driver by Voyager cameras."

"Hearing an alert and then searching in the mirrors for what is approaching adds extra time and effort for the driver, and added stress. The Voyager cameras provide real-time video coverage allowing the drivers to actually 'see' what's along the side of their buses or what's coming their way."

The Voyager system uses heavy-duty LCD monitors that feature robust circuitry and sealed LCD displays.

"The commercial bus industry can be a very rugged environment," says Padrnos. "Fleet operators put their trust into components that are going to last. And, in the case of safety, need to last."

Monitors are available in a variety of sizes and capabilities. Depending on which Voyager monitor is selected, up four cameras can be utilized for added vision assistance.

The system cameras also are heavy duty with varying degrees of viewing for specific bus applications.

For more information, go to www.asaelectronics.com.