It is Victorian Bus Safety Week and industry is urging the public to take responsibility for safety, as part of a wider message to promote bus safety
With more buses on the road than ever before, Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) and Bus Association Victoria (BusVic) are reminding the community that bus safety is a shared responsibility.
TSV director of bus safety Stephen Turner says Bus Safety Week is about everyone taking responsibility for bus safety, whether they are a car driver, school kids or the elderly catching buses.
“If you’re driving, you must give way to buses displaying ‘give way to bus’ sign merging into traffic,” he says.
“This is the law; this is not just a matter of courtesy. Being mindful of this will help to prevent any collisions and it will help the bus driver keep to the timetable.
“You need to give buses ample space and time for braking. A sudden stop can cause passengers to fall and injure themselves.”
TSV and BusVic are also highlighting the hard work of bus drivers to keep everyone moving safely and on time.
“We’re encouraging passengers to make their bus drivers feel valued – a simple ‘thank you’ would be appreciated,” BusVic executive director Dr Chris Lowe says.
“Transport safety officers are at major metro and regional bus interchanges with educational brochures and giveaways and talking to people about bus safety.”
Officers have been handing out materials all around Melbourne and in Bendigo this week, in order the get the important bus safety message across.