Transport Safety Victoria releases latest bus injury statistics
September 5, 2013
Passengers are being warned to put safety first, after the latest Transport Safety Victoria statistics reveal accidents are happening at least once a week on buses.
The incident figures show slips, trips and falls on buses are occurring at least once a week and one in two incidents are resulting in serious injury.
A total of 106 incidents were reported for the two year period between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2013.
Of those incidents, fifty have resulted in serious injuries – some of which have required hospitalisation.
Bus Safety director Stephen Turner says slips, trips and falls are avoidable and passengers need to be more safety conscious for every journey.
“Make your next bus journey a safe one – from the moment you board the bus, during the trip and when you alight the bus,” he says.
“When you’re boarding a bus, watch your step and use the handrail. Remain seated and avoid changing seats while the bus is in motion.”
One third of the incidents happened following heavy braking.
Turner says bus drivers occasionally have to stop suddenly or swerve to avoid unsafe behaviour from other road users.
“When seated, keep both feet on the floor in case the bus stops suddenly. If you happen to be standing or walking through the bus, it is important that you hold on to railings and steady yourself to prevent falls.”
There are more than 100 million bus passenger boardings across Victoria every year.
The latest bus incident statistics are available on the TSV website at www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au