A number of collisions involving transit buses result from vehicles rear-ending the bus, either in the bus stop location or at intersections. Be aware of their travel and maintain a safe following/stopping distance.
Buses don’t necessarily stop at all bus stops. Some stops are designated for special routes such as express and sporting events. If a stop is coming up, don’t assume the bus is going to stop.
Transit buses display a decal on the rear of the buses requesting motorists to “Please Yield.” A bus operating on the street will be moving around parked vehicles or out of bus bays. If a transit bus is signaling its intention to change lanes to the left, a motorist can increase the safety of this manoeuvre by allowing sufficient time and space for the bus to enter the lane. At times, a bus may be required to change multiple lanes in order to move from a right hand curb lane to a left hand turn storage lane.
Buses are wider than most cars and light trucks, and consequently, they occupy more roadway space. Buses operate on a wide variety of street types, including residential streets and busy downtown streets. When exiting a parked vehicle, shoulder check before opening your door to avoid contacting a passing bus or other large vehicle.
Transit bus situation #1
When making a right turn, it must be done in the extreme right lane. Making a right turn from the second lane in front of a transit bus not only places you at risk of being struck if the bus pulls away, but is also illegal. Pull behind and wait until the bus completes loading and unloading and pulls away from the stop or intersection.
If the bus has its hazard lights activated and is sitting a short distance from the intersection, communicate your intentions by signaling and tapping your horn prior to pulling around the front of the bus.
Transit bus situation #2
There are numerous locations where the stop line of an intersection is set back farther than normal from the crosswalk. This is to accommodate large vehicles such as trucks and transit buses to be able to physically negotiate the turn.
Transit bus situation #3
At many times, there may be passengers standing on transit buses.
Conducting a sudden, unexpected manoeuvre in front of a bus, such as a lane change or pulling out in front, may force the bus to stop or brake suddenly causing passengers on board the bus to fall down and possibly be injured.
Please drive cautiously around transit buses and be aware that they carry standing passengers.
Transit bus situation #4
The blind spot of a 12.2 metre transit bus is 4.3 metres on the right side and 1.5 metres on the left, as well as 12.2 metres to the rear.
If you are driving in this area, the bus operator may not see you.
Transit bus situation #5
Transit buses are given special turning privileges at certain identified intersections. Be aware of these locations and watch for buses turning with you.