Passenger safety

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain the seatbelt rule for bus passengers where belts are fitted.
• You can check that doors are closed and passengers are settled before moving off.
• You can point out the emergency exits and emergency equipment on your bus.
• You can describe the steps for a safe evacuation.
• You can help passengers with disability board and travel safely.

What you need to know and understand

• Under the Australian Road Rules, passengers aged 16 or older must wear a seatbelt if one is fitted to their seat on a bus.
• Many city route buses have no seatbelts and are built to carry standing passengers.
• States differ on whether the bus driver is responsible for passengers wearing belts. Queensland and SA, for example, do not hold bus drivers responsible the way car drivers are, but drivers are expected to remind passengers.
• In Western Australia, seatbelts must be worn on school buses that have them.
• Emergency exits, hammers and roof hatches must never be blocked by luggage, prams or passengers.
• Doors must be closed before the bus moves.

Seatbelts and standing passengers

Coaches and many school and regional buses have seatbelts. Where a belt is fitted, passengers 16 and over must wear it, and younger passengers should be buckled in too. A short announcement before departure is the easiest way to remind people.

Route buses in cities often carry standing passengers. They rely on you to drive smoothly. Before moving off, check your interior mirror so you know whether anyone is still walking to a seat or holding a pram.

At the stop: boarding and alighting

1. Pull in close and parallel to the kerb so the step gap is small.
2. Apply the park brake before opening the doors.
3. Use the kneeling function or ramp for passengers who need it.
4. Watch the doors and steps in your mirrors so no one is caught.
5. Close the doors and check that passengers are holding on or seated.
6. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal, and move off gently.

Emergency exits and evacuation

Learn where every exit is on each bus you drive: doors, emergency windows, hammers to break glass and any roof hatch. Check that the fire extinguisher and first aid kit are present before your shift.

If you need to evacuate, for example because of fire or a crash:

• Stop in the safest place you can and switch off the engine.
• Turn on hazard lights and open the doors.
• Tell passengers calmly to leave by the nearest safe exit and leave their bags.
• Move everyone well away from the bus and traffic, then call 000.
• Help passengers who need assistance, but do not put yourself in danger.

Wheelchairs, prams and luggage

Wheelchair users should be placed in the designated space with any restraint or backrest used as designed. Prams and luggage must not block the aisle or exits. Store large bags in racks or luggage bays where provided.

Common mistakes

• Moving off while a passenger is still walking to a seat. Check the interior mirror first.
• Opening the doors before the bus has fully stopped and the park brake is on.
• Letting bags or prams block the aisle or an emergency exit.
• Not knowing where the emergency hammer or roof hatch is on an unfamiliar bus.
• Skipping the seatbelt reminder on coach or school trips.

Test yourself: Passenger safety

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