Dealing with Buses

Must get past! That is the first thought of many drivers as they find themselves following a bus. The Highway Code states a driver should give way to public service vehicles but of course this could mean a few seconds delay on a journey and for many this is not acceptable. So the poor bus driver is left stuck at a bus stop with right indicator on and vehicles doing their best to get past with little thought for road safety or basic good manners.

What are the dangers around a bus at a bus stop? They block your view and you may not see a passenger alight and cross the road in front of the bus. Okay, so you say they shoudn’t cross there, but it is the pedestrian who gets hurt and an aware driver will anticipate this type of situation arising and pass a bus a little slower so that there is more time to react to a developing hazard. Then there is the pedestrian running (across the road) to catch the bus before it moves away. Try to remember when you are/were a bus traveller. You probably did exactly the same – so plan for it and don’t get caught out.

The bus is an automatic vehicle. This means the driver has to apply the footbrake before he can select “drive.” In other words, the brake lights come on. So, if you are approaching a stationery bus and his brake lights come on you can anticipate he intends to move away. Then the signal comes on, but because you are ready for it there is no problem as the bus driver moves off.

When I approach a bus at a bus stop and I see he wishes to move away, I will often just edge a little to the left and the bus driver will recognise in his door mirror that I am not moving out to overtake and it gives him a few more seconds to see he can move away (saving me a few seconds also). I leave plenty of following distance. This makes it easier to see beyond the bus and recognise problems and restrictions much earlier. It takes away any risk of sudden braking and protects me by giving the driver behind me (who is invariably too close) more time to respond.

The oncoming bus will need more space moving around parked vehicles. Very often they will signal to say "I need to move over to the right" It’s just so much easier for everybody if you just to hold back a little and allow the bus driver to swing wide and come ahead before meeting the bus in the restricted road. A little forethought saves so much grief!

I’ve covered bus lanes before. Do remember the times of operation are clearly shown on the blue road sign on approach to the bus lane. There are times when some bus lanes can be used.

Be careful (and considerate) out there.