Preparation prior to travel

Vehicle familiarisation

Familiarise yourself with the layout of the of the vehicle. Walk around it, ensure that the doors operate freely, and close securely. Operate the doors from both inside and outside the vehicle, in case they are needed for escape. Is the vehicle fitted with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and would they be readily available in an emergency? Make a visual inspection for external damage; broken lights, reflectors, and mechanical damage; fluid leaks from the engine, transmission or brakes. If your vehicle has twin rear tyres check the inner tyre is not deflated and that no stones are lodged between the tyres.

Determine what fuel is required; diesel or petrol, and if the latter, leaded or unleaded. Using leaded fuel in a vehicle with a catalyser can cause serious (and expensive) damage.

Sit in the driver's seat. Note that the vehicle is somewhat higher and larger than what you are used to. Adjust the driving seat until you are comfortable and can reach all the essential controls. Adjust the mirrors. You will probably find the interior mirror will be of limited use when you are laden with passengers; it will either be full of heads or the interior windows will have steamed up. Thus your external mirrors are very important. Damaged or missing mirrors must be replaced.

Carry a kit with you that contains basic cleaning materials as the cleaning of mirrors, etc., may be necessary en-route.

Journey planning

As with any other potentially hazardous work activity, a minibus journey should be planned to avoid hazards and reduce the risk of those which cannot be avoided (risk assessment). The driver or organiser should ask themselves questions such as:

  • Is the journey really necessary?
  • Is there a safer alternative means of transport (car, bus, rail)?
  • What is the best time to travel (to avoid road congestion)?
  • What is the best route (quickest, least congested)?
  • Will I make allowances for bad weather, roadworks, continental driving?
  • What would I do in an emergency? Do I have sufficient emergency equipment and information?

If possible appoint a navigator who is supplied with written journey details and a road map.

Whilst en-route

Driving with a full load of passengers for the first time can be interesting to say the least! The vehicle will be much heavier, seventeen people of average weight weigh well over a ton. Be prepared to change gear more frequently to obtain maximum power from the engine. If you are travelling on a dual carriageway or motorway do not get caught in the off-side lane on a rising gradient. Also you will lose momentum more quickly and, because of the higher centre of gravity, be prepared to roll on corners. Avoid sudden and harsh braking.

Passengers can be very noisy and stressful. Try to appoint a responsible person to supervise and control them. Some passengers love to talk to the driver. This is understandable but try to tactfully discourage lengthy conversations. Also discourage the use of radios and overloud cassette players at the outset.

Ensure all the passengers remain seated and in seat belts, to avoid them being thrown forward in an emergency.

Rest breaks

On entering Devon on the M5 a large blue road sign gives a timely warning "Tiredness Can Kill! Take a Break!"; good advice for tourists who may have driven hundreds of miles to reach their favourite holiday destination. Breaks allow you to rest both your body and your mind, thereby reducing stress. In planning breaks take the comfort of your passengers into account; allow time for meal breaks and toilet stops.

Since motorway and continental driving demand a higher level of concentration the frequency of breaks taken should be greater in these cases.

When you park your vehicle, be aware that passengers will emerge from side and rear doors; don't park to close to other vehicles and obstructions. It is also a good idea to remind your passengers about opening doors in the path of traffic in the car park.

Emergency stops on the motorway

At the first sign of mechanical problems get into the slow lane and stop at the first service station. If you have to stop on the hard shoulder pull well over to the nearside. Use your hazard warning lights and if possible a red warning triangle.

If you have to evacuate the passengers do this from the nearside door only and remove them to a place of relative safety (behind a crash barrier or up an embankment). Supervise the passengers at all times and obtain help. A mobile telephone is invaluable if you have to summon assistance or contact worried parents. A fluorescent jacket is also desirable if you have to walk along the hard shoulder to an emergency telephone.

In this guidance:

Download a copy of the Journey, driver and vehicle checklist.