The theory of safety in numbers suggests that being part of a collective reduces the chance of accidents, attacks or other mishaps. Related theories assume that predictable and known mass behaviours can also reduce such risks. In this case, the safety effect decreases the danger, rather than just a redistribution over a larger group.
One could agree that the theory goes both ways in bus and coach.
This last month continued to raise the question of safety across multiple forums and what the industry is doing collectively to tackle issues or move forward on existing initiatives. A large portion of the BIC’s remit is taken up by this continuous push on governments to review and update their safety policies, particularly those related to heavy vehicles and bus.
First on the agenda was the return of children as term two of school rolled in. Various BIC-supported national- and state-run campaigns toting the importance of road safety during the back-to-school season encouraged road users to be extra vigilant around school zones, to follow speed limits, and to slow down and stop for school buses loading or unloading children.
On that, BusSAFE was just awarded the Australian Road Safety Foundation’s prestigious School Programs Award—which recognises work that improve road safety awareness and practices—at a special ceremony at APH in Canberra.
BIC National Operations and Policy Manager Glen Bortolin accepted the award on behalf of Craig Spurr and his team. We would like to congratulate BusSA and its supporters for this inspiring BusSAFE win: a big win for bus and coach as a whole!
Specific to dedicated school bus services, Queensland differs significantly from the mainland states in that it doesn’t mandate seat belts, relying instead on a risk-based approach. To safeguard Queensland’s children, this outdated policy requires urgent review.
BIC National Technical Manager Dean Moule recently offered clarification on the latest seat belt reminder systems ADR for buses and coaches in a chat with Australasian Bus and Coach Magazine (ABC).
Responding to the growing need to protect drivers, due to a spike in antisocial behaviour across our capitals, we’re also pushing for driver safety screens to be included in future Australian Design Rule (ADR) development as a priority.
To this end, we’ve been working with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to launch a suite of support materials that will demystify driver safety screens in buses. Due out in September, this joint effort marks a significant step forward in enhancing driver safety.
Watch this space…
