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NHVR launch ‘We All Need Space’ bus safety campaign

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM talks about how the NHVR’s latest campaign is shining a spotlight on better bus safety

Playing our part in keeping everyone safe while they’re on the road is always our top priority at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

As the regulator for vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, we oversee all types of cargo going up and down our roads and highways every day.

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We also know it is buses which are responsible for carrying the most precious cargo of all ­­— our family, our friends, and our loved ones.

Whether travelling to and home from school, to work, to sporting and entertainment events, or to one of life’s major celebrations, buses play a pivotal role in keeping people moving.

It is why at the NHVR we have a renewed focus and commitment to doing what we can in ensuring other vehicles on the road are giving buses the space they need.

Our ‘We All Need Space’ bus safety campaign goes to great lengths to communicate to the millions of light vehicle drivers on what their role is in keeping bus travel safe for everyone, and the best practice ways of interacting with buses across the road network.

We have invested in a targeted campaign which includes social media videos, radio ads and bus advertising to get safety messages out there to drivers when they are on the road.

We have also reminded bus drivers of their obligations when they get behind the wheel — including ensuring they are well rested and fit to drive, and to remember to always practice safe driving techniques.

Because of their significant size, mass, and the fact they can have dozens of passengers, collisions or incidents involving buses have the potential to be catastrophic.

While giving buses the room to travel on the road should be a given, unfortunately we know this isn’t always the case.

Our campaign included speaking to bus drivers who have years of experience, who shared firsthand industry insights on the issues they see on the road and in the bus everyday — and what we all can do to address them.

We heard from Sue, a public transport bus driver, who described her bus as “her office”.

Sue says, just like with any workplace, there could be challenges as she juggles passengers, traffic, and timetables.

But as a driver of more than 34 years, Sue also implores other bus drivers to keep themselves ready for the road.

“Making sure we’re fit to drive is our responsibility, and your passengers’ lives could depend on it,” she says in our campaign.

“Your concentration and mental health are vital in keeping our roads and passengers safe.”

We also heard from Bruce, a coach driver who has helped people get to weddings, footy games, holidays and everywhere in between for close to 40 years.

He urged other drivers sharing the road to remember buses have four significant blind spots, take longer to slow down than a standard vehicle, and need plenty of space when driving and turning on the road.

And Haru, a school bus driver who has been on the road for eight years, said student safety was serious business, and keeping well rested and fit to work to manage a busload of kids was essential.

Hearing from people like Sue, Bruce and Haru, and sharing their messages with drivers, passengers and pedestrians is just one way in which the NHVR is working towards a safer transport future.

There are four clear messages we want all light vehicle drivers and passengers to heed when it comes to sharing the roads with our buses.

Never overtake a turning bus, always give way to a merging bus, reduce speed and take extra care when passing a stopped school bus with lights flashing, and always wear seatbelts when the bus is fitted with them.

At the NHVR, we believe together we can work towards a safer, more efficient and more productive heavy vehicle industry which serves the needs of a growing Australia. 

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