Page 17 - TRSSL Handbook Flip

Collision VOSA and the Police Driving Tips
The law requires that, if you are involved in any collision you must: The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and the
• Stop Police both have the power to intercept vehicles on the public It is not the function of this handbook to replace a robust practical course designed to achieve vehicle validation or licence acquisition, however
the following points may help both the regular and non-regular drivers of minibuses.
• Provide your name, address, vehicle details and the highway. Regular drivers of minibuses may, sooner or later, find
themselves the subject of such an action. • The primary concern of any bus driver is the safety and comfort of the passengers.
vehicle owner’s details to anyone who has
reasonable grounds for requiring them. In the case of VOSA the interception of a moving vehicle would • Before driving use the safety checks to mentally change from car driver to minibus driver.
normally involve a highly visible, marked vehicle safely
• In the event of injury, also produce your certificate of manoeuvring in front of the target vehicle and displaying a ‘follow • Familiarity with all the dimensions and weights of the minibus is essential.
insurance.
me’ sign in the back window. The target vehicle would then be • Remember the height of the minibus, especially if the roof-rack is loaded, when approaching overhangs, car-park barriers and low bridges.
If any of the above is not possible at the time of the incident escorted to a nearby Vehicle Inspectorate site or weighbridge. • The minibus will behave differently when full compared to when it is empty.
you must report the collision to the police as soon as possible The Police and VOSA are likely to target vehicles that appear
or at least within the next 24 hours. In addition you should: • Avoid running over objects and pedestrians with the back of the minibus by carefully planning where the front should go.
to be in poor condition, are emitting excessive exhaust smoke,
• Attempt to find witnesses overweight or driven unsatisfactorily. The issues that they • Some minibuses have a long overhang behind the rear wheels; beware of the tail-swing.
• Avoid admitting liability. (some insurance companies insist might investigate could include:- • Be constantly aware of the dangers presented by pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, especially when moving off or turning.
on this as a condition of cover) • Is the vehicle overloaded, either overall or on either axle? Use both outside mirrors and blind-spot checks.
• When travelling close to the kerb, remember that the nearside mirror is a potential danger to pedestrians.
• Make clear notes about the circumstances as soon as • Is the vehicle un-roadworthy?
possible. Include location, time, weather conditions and • Is it emitting excessive smoke? • Before moving off always check for people who may be trying to board or disembark from the minibus.
names of all involved parties. • Do not move off until all passengers are securely seated.
• Is the vehicle being operated illegally for hire or reward?
• Make drawings and take photos of the scene if possible. • Use all available bus lanes.
• Is the driver correctly licensed to drive the category of vehicle?
If you are first at the collision scene the order of actions should be: • Remember the different speed limits applying to minibuses.
• If applicable are drivers hours being correctly recorded?
• Protect the scene from further danger • Always pre-assess carefully any stopping point before allowing passengers to disembark.
• Are any of the passengers consuming alcohol on board?
• Prevent the onset of fire; switch off ignition, avoid smoking. • Plan ahead a long way to avoid unnecessary stops. Keeping the minibus moving is more comfortable for the passengers,
Minibuses that are well maintained and driven in a professional
• Move uninjured personnel to place of safety. less fatiguing for the driver, more economical on fuel and kinder to the environment.
manner are unlikely to attract the attention of the authorities.
• Move injured personnel if in further immediate danger • Brake and accelerate smoothly and progressively and, as much as possible, when travelling in a straight line.
On the spot fines can be imposed on drivers by VOSA Inspectors
• Call the emergency services if there are safety related defects that would have been identified • You may not be a professional minibus driver but your passengers and other road users will expect a
16 if the driver had done proper checks on the vehicle. professional performance from you. 17
• Apply first aid if capable and appropriate.