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Warning after fatalities

Pedestrians are being urged to take care around buses in Victoria after fatalities last year

Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) is urging road users and pedestrians to take care around buses, after latest incident figures that four people died last year after colliding with a bus or being in a collision in the vicinity of a bus.

Overall, there were 24 bus collisions involving cyclists, motorists and pedestrians in 2013 – the highest figure in over five years.

TSV is particularly concerned with the rising long term trend of bus collisions with motorists. The five year average almost doubled from 33.4 collisions in 2009 to 64.2 in 2013.

Bus Safety Director Stephen Turner says all road users should be vigilant and exercise caution in the vicinity of buses.

“In Victoria, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians share the road with about 15,000 buses,” he says.

“Whether you are a cyclist, a motorist or a pedestrian, you should travel in a safe manner and follow the road rules at all times.

Turner is urging people to pay attention to buses when approaching bus stops and when travelling in a bus lane.

“When catching a bus, don’t approach the bus until it has stopped. Stand back from the kerb as the bus pulls in and make sure the bus driver can see you,” he says.

“It’s important that you look in all directions for approaching traffic after the bus has departed and ensure you have a clear view of the road.

“I also ask that pedestrians and cyclists avoid using distracting devices such as mobile phones and iPods around buses.”

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