Bus Safety Tips

Image courtesy of Bus World EA

Bus drivers have a responsibility of maintaining the well-being of dozens of passengers they ferry each day. Whether it’s a school bus, tour bus or public service transport, safety should be adhered.

As a passenger, you have a right to demand for a safe travel. The feeling of security as you are proceeding with your journey is paramount. Bus companies and drivers carry massive responsibly to the their clients; passengers and goods.

Imagine courtesy of Bus World EA

To ensure bus safety during a trip, the outlined tips below can heighten safety on the road:

Drivers should plan well their schedule. Drivers should take note of the time at which their trips are scheduled. They can therefore rest and prepare themselves mentally and physically before they report to duty.
Inspect your vehicle before any trip. Walk around the bus, check the tires, mirror positioning and any damages that might cause inconvenience.

Assess your blind spots. Buses have large blind spots. Some buses have additional mirrors and accessories that might aid to lessen blind spot blunders. As you sit on your driver’s seat, be aware of your surroundings on the road. Additionally use your pointers well when changing lanes and on turns.

Blind spot zones around a bus

As a passenger, ensure that you buckle up during the journey. Seat Belts keep you secure on your seat. This reduces the likelihood of being thrown over in an event of an accident or when the driver brakes/ veers abruptly.
Beware of long stopping distances and do not tailgate other vehicles closely. Buses and trucks need a wide space for braking and stopping. Limited braking space might cause an accident or hitch other road users.
Drive at a safe speed. Ensure you follow the road directions on the speed requirements. Additionally, the bus should obey speed policies put for transport vehicles.
Passengers should speak out in case of any misconduct that might put their lives at risk during the journey. Inform the bus management, traffic police or any relevant authorities that might be useful. If the issue if fixable by the driver, advise him/ her to maintain your safety.
Ensure that the vehicle is well maintained. Bus companies should ensure that their fleet adheres to minor and major maintenance. This ensures will the vehicles released on the road are road worthy.
Drivers should be familiar to their routes. As much as you can use features like Google Maps to find your way, it is best to have a clear understanding of where you are going. Know how the road looks like and the features that might impact your journey not indicated on the map. For instance, a map doesn’t indicate points with bumps, potholes or many other elements. Image courtesy of Mash EA
Avoid any distractions when driving. Maintain complete focus in the road. Do not use your phone or engage to something that might affect your focus.
Pay attention to weather. This might come in handy. This gives you a chance to plan how you can undertake your journey. The way you drive during a sunny day is different than how you’d drive through fog or rain. Additionally, if the weather can affect your terrain eg cause the road to get muddy, you can find an alternative route or prepare yourself with the appropriate tools.
For a long trip, the bus company can hire different drivers to take turns during the trip. This prevents exhausted drivers from driving.

Conclusion

Road safety starts with you, whether you are on the driver’s seat, the passenger’s seat or on the sidelines, you have the ability to prevent or tolerate it.