Passenger safety and seat belts

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain who must wear a seat belt on a minibus, bus or coach.
• You can check emergency exits and safety equipment before a journey.
• You can manage boarding, standing passengers and luggage safely.
• You can adjust your driving to protect passengers who are standing or moving.
• You can describe how to evacuate passengers in an emergency.

What you need to know and understand

• Adults, and children aged 14 and over, must use a seat belt or child restraint where one is fitted when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches.
• Only one person is allowed in each seat fitted with a seat belt.
• Each vehicle has a set limit on the number of seated and standing passengers it can carry, and it must not be exceeded.
• Luggage must be stowed securely so it cannot block the aisle or exits or move in a sudden stop.
• Emergency exits must be kept clear and you should know how each one opens.
• Smoking is not allowed on public transport vehicles.
• If you break down on a busy road, passengers should usually be moved away from traffic to a safe place.

Seat belts on buses, coaches and minibuses

The Highway Code says adults, and children aged 14 and over, must use a seat belt or child restraint where one is fitted when seated in a minibus, bus or coach. Passengers of 14 and over are responsible for wearing their own belt.

Where belts are fitted, it is good practice to remind passengers before you move off, for example with a short announcement. On school trips or club runs in a minibus, check younger children are belted in before leaving, and take advice from the organisation on child seats for the youngest passengers.

Standing passengers and smooth control

Many town buses are designed to carry standing passengers, but only up to the number set for that vehicle. When you are full, do not let more people on.

Standing passengers can be thrown off balance by harsh acceleration, late braking or fast cornering. Wait until passengers who have just boarded are seated or holding on before pulling away, especially older people and those with pushchairs. Brake early and gradually, and take bends at a speed that keeps the ride steady.

• Do: check your interior mirror before moving off and before stopping.
• Do: keep the aisle and doorway clear of bags and buggies where possible.
• Do not: open the doors until the bus has stopped.
• Do not: move off while someone is still in the doorway.

Emergency exits and evacuation

Before every shift or trip, check the emergency exits, door controls, fire extinguisher and first aid kit as part of your walkaround. Make sure exit signs are visible and nothing is stacked against an emergency door or window.

If you need to evacuate, stay calm and give clear instructions. Stop somewhere as safe as possible, switch on hazard warning lights, open the doors and guide passengers away from traffic and behind a barrier if there is one. Help anyone who needs extra support. Call 999 if anyone is hurt or the vehicle is a danger to others.

Common mistakes

• Pulling away as soon as the doors close. Give new passengers time to sit or hold on first.
• Letting luggage block the aisle. Use the luggage racks or hold, and keep exits clear.
• Never learning how the emergency door works. Practise opening it during your vehicle checks.
• Assuming seat belts are optional on coaches. Passengers 14 and over must use them where fitted.
• Braking late at stops. Plan your approach so the stop is gentle for standing passengers.

Test yourself: Passenger safety and seat belts

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Child Car Seat and Seat Belt Law in GB