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The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has warned motorists not to ‘miss the bus’ when it comes to prioritising safety, as part of its We All Need Space campaign.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon. Bart Mellish said the government was committed to ensuring bus safety was a priority for all drivers.
“We want all drivers to take bus safety seriously and give these vehicles the space they need,” the Minister said.
“Today is about reminding all road users about how to share the roads safely with buses including the fact that giving way to a bus isn’t just courtesy – it’s the law.”
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said the launch of the next We All Need Space campaign was an important reminder for motorists to practise safety around all types of heavy vehicles.
“Giving space to buses should be ‘business as usual’, but unfortunately, we know that isn’t always the case,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“We want to remind all road users of some simple safety tips to keep top of mind when they are out and about on Australian roads including:
- Never overtaking a turning bus,
- Giving way to merging buses,
- Reducing speed and taking extra caution when passing a stopped school bus with its warning lights flashing, and
- Wearing seatbelts when a bus is fitted with them.”
“Buses carry the most precious cargo of all - your family, friends and loved ones - and we all need space to keep you and them safe.”
Mr Petroccitto said the campaign featured several social media videos depicting buses as a ‘workplace’, filled with an assortment of interesting characters as well as outdoor advertising bus billboards and radio to target drivers when they are on the road.
“A bus is a driver’s place of work, and across the country they see all types of unique passengers every day,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“With this campaign, we’re rolling out significant safety messaging while incorporating mockumentary-style humour, to help reach audiences.
“In these videos, you’ll meet characters like ‘Beat the Bus Bazza’, ‘Tailgate Tessa’ and ‘Running Late Ronnie’, who help tell the story of what Australia’s bus drivers experience on the road.”
The campaign’s key safety messages for bus drivers include being fit to drive, managing fatigue, and practising safe driving techniques to ensure buses have enough space to keep everyone safe.
The NHVR’s We All Need Space campaign has previously targeted all general road users, with heavy vehicle safety tips for caravanners and families on the roads.
In 2023, the campaign recorded more than 130 million impressions across all NHVR media channels.
For more information on We All Need Space, visit weallneedspace.com.au
#WeAllNeedSpace