Summary

The risk of accidents involving minibuses is not high, but it can be significantly reduced by careful selection of hirers and vehicles, employing a competent driver and thorough journey planning.

If an accident occurs, the effects of personal injury may be mitigated by having seat belts (preferably diagonal); ensure that all passengers are wearing them (there is currently no statutory requirement to do so for passengers over fourteen years of age). Also passengers should be forward facing.

It is likely that designers of minibuses will be influenced by public concern for safety and that the supply of vehicles with advanced safety features will become the norm.

Extra care will be required in the use of (University-owned) older vehicles. Their use should be closely monitored, avoiding their use for long and /or difficult journeys and large numbers of passengers.

Passive safety; seat belts, ABS brakes and impact protection, etc., are all excellent components of minibuses, but it is far better to use your driving skills to avoid or mitigate any situation which might test their integrity.

The better driver uses his or her skill and ability to avoid the very situations which would require the use of his or her better skill and ability.

References

Essential Minibus Driving by Tony Dring and Mike Collins, published by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Advanced Drivers' Association. ISBN 1-85088-022-0 @ £2.95.

Drivers, Hours and Tachograph Rules for Road Goods and Passenger Vehicles in the UK and Europe, Department of Transport Guidance Notes, GV 262 (Rev 5/93) and PSV 375 (Rev 1193), HMSO, FOC.

In this guidance:

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