ACTION Buses were involved in 272 accidents in the 2007-08 financial year, which is an increase of 18 percent on the previous year. (231 in the 2006-07 financial year). Of the 272 accidents, seven resulted in injuries to the driver or passengers.
ACTION General Manager Tom Elliott admitted that while drivers were responsible for many accidents, motorists were also responsible, causing 38 rear-end collisions in the 06-07 financial year.
Mr Elliott reminded motorists that a bus leaving a bus stop has right of way, something that many motorists forget, or ignore.
Photo: ACT BUS Collection
1 comment:
Actually, buses leaving the kerb DO NOT have right of way.
There is a misconception that some 'right of way' exists in some circumstances.
The only vehicles that have a 'Right of Way' are vehicles on rails (trams & trains), which cannot deviate from their course.
The law requires that motorists Give Way to buses leaving the kerb, however there is no implied right.
Granted, many motorists fail to give way in this situation (when they are obligated to), however it is important to note this does not give the bus any right whatsoever should a motorist fail to do so.
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