Pedestrians are called the most vulnerable of all road users, especially where buses are concerned. And if you look at the statistics, it is quite true. Among all the road fatalities from bus crashes, pedestrians account for almost one-third of them. That’s why their safety and security are a big concern for all. Australian Road Safety Commission and other road safety authorities always try to protect pedestrians through various programs and schemes. Similarly, most driving schools and corporate training services in the country emphasise ensuring pedestrian safety when teaching their students.
However, this is a subject where pedestrians need to be just as aware and cautious as the drivers on the road and the road authorities. While new drivers should learn safe driving techniques for the Safer Drivers course and other courses, pedestrians should also be made aware of the safety measures they should take by carrying out awareness programs and drives. In this post, we will discuss the risks pedestrians face around buses, the factors contributing to accidents, and how both bus drivers and pedestrians can enhance safety.
The Risk to Pedestrians:
Pedestrians have more risk around buses due to their large blind spots. Buses have large blind spots around the area beside and below their side mirrors. Due to these blind spots, bus drivers often fail to notice pedestrians near intersections and bus stops. So, if you’re walking beside the bus or right in front of it, you will not be visible to the driver. This can lead to accidents and increase the risk for pedestrians. Also, pedestrians often increase the risk of accidents by misjudging the bus’s speed or stopping distance.
Contributing Factors:
Accidents involving buses and pedestrians are becoming a cause of concern. This is mainly due to the large blind spots that heavy vehicles like buses have. That’s why when a pedestrian crosses in front of or behind the bus, the driver cannot see them, increasing the risk of accidents. Other factors may include poor visibility or low light conditions, distracted driving, or pedestrians jaywalking without concern. These are the most common factors that cause bus accidents involving pedestrians. If we want to reduce the rising number of pedestrians getting hit by buses, we must ensure that these factors are handled first.
What Bus Drivers Can Do:
In recent years, the number of accidents involving bus drivers and pedestrians has seen an increase, with almost 31 pedestrian deaths involving buses from 2018 to 2022. It is high time that bus drivers realise how important it is to drive safely. Even the simplest of safety measures, like checking mirrors frequently, eliminating blind spots, and reducing speed in high-traffic areas, can go a long way in reducing the risk of accidents. Drivers should also get proper training in safe driving techniques from programs like the Safer Drivers course and learn proper safety protocols. With such strict measures and diligent driving, it is possible to reduce the risks of accidents involving bus drivers significantly.
How Pedestrians Can Stay Safe:
Just like bus drivers, pedestrians also should clean up their act and follow the traffic guidelines properly to ensure their safety. Pedestrian crossings are there to help pedestrians cross roads safely. They should make use of such infrastructure provisions properly. While crossing roads, they should stay alert and make eye contact with drivers to let them know their intent. Also, jaywalking on the roads or using headphones and mobile phones while crossing should be strictly avoided. When walking on the road in low-visibility conditions, they should try to wear easily visible clothes. With these measures, pedestrians can increase the chances of their safety while reducing the risk of accidents considerably.
A Shared Responsibility:
Ensuring pedestrian safety on the road is a shared responsibility of all road users. Whether you’re a pedestrian or a bus driver, it is essential to follow traffic rules, stay alert and aware of your surroundings and avoid increasing the risk of accidents through your actions. If both drivers and pedestrians become more aware, alert, and responsible, the number of accidents involving them can reduce significantly. At Onroad Driving School, we believe that safety, like charity, starts with yourself. If you’re a safe and responsible driver, you would naturally follow the rules, no matter which vehicle you drive. That’s why we offer a variety of safe driving courses, including the Safer Drivers course. Join us today to learn more about our expert instructors and the various programs we offer.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
