The NSW Government is reminding everyone to ‘Be Bus Aware’ as Bus Safety Week for 2024 kicks off on Monday 19 February.
Focussing on bus safety across the entire road network, this crucial initiative aims to highlight a culture of safety among all road users when walking, riding or driving around, or travelling on buses.
Sadly 41 people have died in crashes involving buses (including mini-buses) in NSW in the 5-year period between 2019 and 2023. This includes the tragic crash in the Hunter Valley last year, where 10 people died and 11 more were seriously injured.
As part of the safety initiative, Transport for NSW will be sharing a series of bus safety videos to different audiences across social media. A series of live radio reads in metropolitan and regional areas of NSW will help reach motorists at the point of behaviour.
The extension to the original Rural and Regional Bus Seatbelt Program, to ensure buses travelling on outer metropolitan roads with higher crash risk ratings are fitted with seatbelts, is almost complete. Seventy-nine out of 82 dedicated school buses have now been fitted with seatbelts in the Hunter. The program is due to be completed in late March 2024.
Road safety stakeholders and partners, including bus operators and schools, will be provided with a communications toolkit to share with their networks and communities to further extend the reach of these important messages.
Buses are large, heavy vehicles and can take a longer time to stop. All road users are reminded to give buses space and to be visible, follow road rules and exercise caution around buses’ blind spots.
Bus Safety Week will run from Monday 19 to Sunday 25 February 2024. For more information, please visit the Be Bus Aware website.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
“Bus drivers have a big job, moving thousands of people across our city and our regions safely every day.
“The road conditions outside their office window change minute by minute, day by day. It’s vital everyone shares the road safely and courteously so our drivers and everyone who’s caught the bus can get home safely.
“Buses are big and don’t stop as quickly as cars, so they’re not worth taking risks around. It’s better to be a little late, and to take your time, than not arrive at your destination at all.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“Bus Safety Week is a chance to reflect and act to save lives and reduce road trauma. Let’s make safety a priority both on and off the bus and ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safely.
“We must all commit to wear a seat belt every time we get on a bus and teach our children to do the same.
“To help keep our most vulnerable road users – our children – safe, the NSW Government is continuing to install seatbelts on dedicated school buses, with a roll out of upgrades to a further 82 buses in the Hunter Valley now almost complete.
“Older passengers or those with mobility issues should always use the handrail and use the front door when getting on or off the bus, as the entry is lower or has ramps and is closer to the kerb. Use the accessible and courtesy seating at the front of the bus.
“Drivers must remember to slow down and be alert for students and families around buses and school zones, particularly on country roads and in our regional communities.
“Give buses more space when driving near them, remembering they take longer to stop than lighter vehicles, and that visibility may not be as clear around the bus.”
