Transport for NSW Annual Bus Safety Week will run from Monday 19 – Sunday 25 February. The campaign raises awareness among all road users on how to stay safe on and around buses, helping to reduce injuries and fatalities.

More than 8000 buses operate across NSW. Since 2018 there were 48 fatalities from bus crashes (including mini buses) in NSW. Of the 48 fatalities, 15 people were pedestrians, 8 were drivers (of vehicles other than a bus), 7 were motorcyclists, 4 were bus drivers, 11 were bus passengers, 2 were passengers (of vehicles other than a bus), and 1 was a pedal cyclist.

Pedestrians

Bus Safety Week promotes safety for pedestrians, who should:

– Plan ahead and don’t rush for the bus

– Obey traffic signals and cross with care

– Avoid being distracted by mobile devices

– Stand back from the kerb when waiting for a bus

– Wait until the bus has gone then use a safe place to cross the road.

Parents and Carers

School-aged children might seem independent, but they still need a hand. Remember:

– Always meet your child at school or the bus stop. Never wait on the opposite side of the road and call them across.

– Always supervise your child and hold their hand when walking to and from the bus stop/interchange and when crossing the road until they’re at least 10 years old.

– Wait until the bus has gone then use a safe place to cross the road.

– Encourage your child to take a seat quickly when they get on the bus and to buckle up if the bus has seatbelts.

– Talk to your children about using Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time they cross the road.

– Stop one step back from the kerb.

– Look continuously both ways.

– Listen for the sounds of approaching traffic.

– Think whether it’s safe to cross and keep checking until you’re safely across.

For more information visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/be-bus-aware

For more information on Bus Safety for Children, visit: https://www.safetytown.com.au/