USA Bus Lines

How can I be a better bus driver?

After a long absence, I'm back in service as a charter driver, operating 45' coaches. Cornering, especially right-hand turns seems to remain a bit of an issue in buses this long. Is there anything I can do besides distancing myself away from the side of the turn, as much as possible, and going slowly around the corner, to avoid contacting curbs, or objects on the side? I'm very aware of what's going on in my mirrors as I turn, but the trouble is, if I see a collision coming, I'm not always sure what to do about it to prevent it. Also, in the event that I do get too close to an object, and need to reverse, do I turn the wheel toward, or away from the object to get away from it? I've never yet figured this out in 1.5 years of CDL driving, most of which was in little shuttle coachettes. Thanks! You have no idea how much grief your answers could save me. I'll be running through some small towns and big cities where there are some tight intersections.

Public Comments

1. Just don't be a sonofabitch when someone doesn't have enough money for their bus trip. Also, if some kid forgets their 'oyster card', then turn a blind eye.
2. You should probably be asking these questions of a qualified bus driving instructor. Can you take the time to take a bus driving course again? It sounds like you need a refresher. I am a bicyclist and I long ago learned to never pass a moving bus on the right. However, a lot of bicyclists have not learned this lesson. When buses are making a right turn, they have to do so from far further left than a normal sized car in order to avoid driving the rear wheels over the curb. This fools many bicyclists into thinking that the bus is not going to turn right and they will try to pass on the right. Please make sure that you signal your right turns well in advance, definitely before you start slowing down for the turn. Also, be sure to look for bicycles coming up on your right. Even if the bicyclist is at fault, you don't want to deal with killing someone; especially when there is something you can do to avoid it. The same principles apply when you are moving over to pick up/drop off passengers at the curb. Signal early and watch for bicyclists. If there is a bicyclist there, hit the brakes and don't move over until it's clear. Never "race" to move over in front of a bicyclist. Even if you have the skills to time it so that you don't hit the bicyclist, it still puts the bicyclist at risk of running into the back of your bus and it forces them out into the lane, possibly without time to make sure that it's clear. I've also noticed that many bus drivers will not yield to oncoming traffic before moving back out into the lane after a stop. This is illegal and dangerous because it tends to result in a lot of panic braking and panic lane changing. These bus drivers seem to think that because they are bigger than everyone else that it's OK to bully other drivers. It isn't OK. You are required by law to wait until it is clear before you move out into the lane. You shouldn't be forcing panic braking or panic lane changing ever. Safety is always more important than speed or your schedule. Remember to always keep that priority straight. My best guess is that 95% of bus drivers do keep that priority straight. Most are pretty good. However, that other 5% needs to find another job.
3. I drive a semi not a bus, when we have to make a right hand turn we sometimes swing out to the left then turn to the right. Not sure how this would work in a bus. I am assuming your busses dont have the rear tire that also steers. I know some do
4. Sounds like you should go through a bus driver training course.
5. In my opinion I think that you should relearn how to drive such a big vehicle, when you are emerging to turn right then you should steer slightly into the right section of the road and then steer left or when you are planning to turn left then you should steer slightly into the right section of road, ensure that you indicate your intentions in advance and constantly check your side and rear view mirrors to ensure that no pedestrians, cyclists or obstructions are close to your vehicle. Hope I helped you.