Minibus driving safety tips
Minibus drivers have a challenging job which exposes them to multiple risks. They often put in extended work hours and have to drive their minibus safely in different climatic conditions. Safety measures should therefore be a top priority for all minibus drivers. Here are a few safety tips for new and experienced minibus drivers. Being preventative will reduce avoidable accidents, which in turn will reduce your minibus insurance premium.
Maintain your minibus and always inspect your minibus before hitting the road
You should be familiar with the minibus assigned to you and ensure that you take care of it as though it were your own. You should also inspect your minibus regularly. Before embarking on any trip, ensure that you inspect it, checking the brakes, oil, water, and lights among other important parts to ensure that they are in the best working condition or level. These actions will increase safety, plus you should reduce minibus fuel consumption if the vehicle is well maintained.
Reduce the blind spots
Driving a minibus compromises your vision of areas such as the back of the minibus and immediately below the wind shield. Statistics indicate that many minibus-related accidents are caused by other vehicles approaching these blind spots. To reduce the occurrence of such accidents, it is important to increase your vision all round your minibus. This can be done by extra mirrors installed at different angles.
Don’t speed
Drive the minibus at a safe speed, especially at high traffic areas and when turning. The weight of the minibus has an impact on its momentum, so you should always slow down well in advance when braking and turning. You can also enhance your safety and that of other road users by not tailgating. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.
Use signals
Utilise all the signals you have. This includes lights and hand signals to alert other drivers of your intentions. You can also use stickers or paint warnings on the sides and rear of the minibus so that other drivers are informed to take necessary caution.
Avoid distractions
Because of the long-distance travel, many drivers might want to have entertainment and extra pillows to make their trip more comfortable. However, these can be a source of distraction. GPS, laptops and mobile phones should not be used while driving. Stereos can also cause poor focus on the road.
Check weather forecasts
Bad weather is a major risk factor for any driver. Heavy rains, fog and snow increase safety risks because they can affect visibility and make the roads slippery. To enhance safety, always check the weather forecasts each time you plan your trip so that you can take appropriate measures to avoid driving in bad weather.
General
Because of the added risk in transporting passengers, it is essential that you employ safety measures and undergo training, including CPC training if required. Modern minibuses come with many new safety features if you are driving a used second hand minibus, it is all the more important to be vigilant and look for any signs of mechanical wear and tear.