Online NSW Bus Driver
Authority Training

As a bus driver, safety management is important. Although a breakdown of a car can be a hassle for the driver, a bus breakdown is a much bigger issue, with so many people counting on buses for their everyday transportation. Some breakdowns are the result of drivers not completing their pre-operational checks on the vehicle. These can be easily avoided by making sure that the pre-departure check is completed every time you take a vehicle out of the depot.

Prior to leaving the yard, drivers should do an inspection on the following:

• Tyres
• Wipers
• Brakes
• Horn
• Interior Seating
• Windows
• Mirrors
• Fluids
• Anything else that the bus operator says needs to be checked

It is also vital to be vigilant regarding the bus before, during and after any trips. An unnoticed problem could cause a breakdown or lead yourself to a position where others are in a precarious position. To avoid frustrating breakdowns and serious accidents, bus maintenance is critical.

4 safety service tips to avoid a bus breakdown

• Check your tyres: tyre problems are usually one of the most common reasons for bus breakdowns. To prevent these issues, we recommend conducting a pre-trip inspection of your tyre pressure and tyre wear. The owner’s manual of the bus should outline the correct tyre pressure for your specific tyres. Being familiar with the specifications of your bus will ensure that your tyres are in top-notch condition. Tyres lose a small amount of pressure each month. Therefore it is essential to continually check tyre inflation daily to avoid breakdowns or other issues on the road. Worn treads, cracks and flat spots are also warning signs which may require a service or tyre maintenance. If you notice this, you must take your bus for service immediately.
• Monitor the electrical system: buses draw a lot of power and poorly performing electrical systems can harm other components in the bus, leading to costly repairs. Ensure your battery is in good condition and charged at all times. As a larger vehicle, buses will benefit from frequent charging to avoid a flat battery. However, batteries should also be maintained correctly for optimum output.
  
• Monitor the cooling system: for your bus engine to keep performing, you will need to check and maintain the vehicle’s cooling systems frequently. If you hear unusual noises coming from your bus, it may be due to damaged cooling belts.
  
• Keeping an eye on your oil: it is essential to keep your bus’ maintenance records handy to know when these fluids have been checked and serviced. If your oil is not changed frequently, it could cause significant issues to the operation of your bus, in turn creating a breakdown.
  

What are some safety tips I can follow if my bus breaks down?

Taking regular care of your bus will prolong its life and avoid breakdowns. Frequent checks will help you identify problems before they occur. For your safety, it is always great to ensure that you do what you can as a bus driver to contribute to the monitoring and upkeep of your bus. This will prepare you in the event of a breakdown as you never know when an inconvenient moment will strike.

It is also helpful to have a breakdown safety kit with medical supplies and other items such as a torch, safety vest, warning lights and a first aid kit should an emergency require the use of these items.

If you are in the position where your bus has broken down, here are some vehicle breakdown safety tips you should follow:

• Be careful and observant of your surroundings
• Keep all of the passengers calm and evacuate them off the bus
  
• Try and find a replacement bus for your service
  
• Ensure all of the passengers are safe throughout the process
  

Want to make a career change and become a bus driver? As a registered RTO, Intertain is the simplest way to complete your Bus Driver Authority Training. Our courses ensure that a 360 degree approach is taken when driving a bus, including maintaining and being proactive when it comes to safe commute. Enrol today! Contact us on 1300 222 776 or register for a free course trial now.