The heartbreak of losing a loved one as a result of road trauma is a pain no one should ever have to endure. Yet, across Australia, we’ve seen far too many families and communities left grieving after tragic incidents, including bus collisions, that could have been prevented.
Tragically, from January 2020 to December 2024, we lost 84 lives in crashes involving a bus across Australia. New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland have experienced the highest number of bus crashes in the past five years, with 40 and 21 lives lost respectively. These aren’t just statistics; these are real people whose lives have been taken far too soon.
These fatal crashes have made it clear that we must do more to ensure buses on our roads are safe – that they are mechanically sound, properly maintained and operated by drivers who are fit and alert. That’s why last month the NHVR launched a new operation to tackle bus safety head on – because every life lost on our roads is one too many.
The NHVR has partnered with police, as we often do, to conduct Operation Solstice which is taking place over several weeks. The operation sees our Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) conducting comprehensive inspections on buses, checking for safety issues, ensuring vehicles are maintained and mechanically safe, and making certain drivers comply with fatigue laws. Officers will focus their compliance and enforcement efforts on specific locations across the country that we have identified as high risk, with the aim of preventing any potential bus-related incidents.
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Buses carry precious cargo, carrying up to 50 people, so it’s crucial we make sure everyone who boards a bus – whether it’s for work, school or leisure – makes it home safely. Operation Solstice is a vital step toward protecting those who trust in our transport system. Bus companies, drivers and operators have a responsibility to uphold the highest safety standards and mechanical failures, inadequate rest and fatigue are all preventable factors that contribute to catastrophic events.
Unfortunately, we know some bus operators and their drivers may not be fully aware of their safety obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), especially when it comes to fatigue. In fact, recent NHVR data shows that in NSW, QLD, South Australia and Victoria, operators with smaller fleets sizes (less than 10 vehicles) account for the highest proportion of offences. When it comes to offences relating to fatigue specifically, failing to record required information and failing to keep work diaries account for the highest offence categories among bus drivers and operators across the country.
One issue that our officers often see is split shift drivers remaining at the yard, rather than travelling home to have a proper rest break, particularly in urban areas. I would like to warn drivers that by law, they are required to have adequate rest between shifts. Failing to do so can disrupt their ability to ensure they are well-rested and ready to drive.
Drivers should also do a walkaround inspection of the vehicle – both inside and outside – prior to departure and at the conclusion of a shift. This is in addition to regular daily safety checks to ensure the vehicle is properly maintained and mechanically safe. Cabin and occupant safety is also critical – this includes making sure seatbelts are functioning, seat bases are secured correctly and loose items are secured while the vehicle is moving.
Operation Solstice isn’t just about enforcement; it’s about establishing a culture of safety across the entire bus industry. Our officers will be taking their usual inform, educate and enforce approach, ensuring drivers understand how to comply with their HVNL safety obligations. Checks will allow drivers and operators to review their practices, chat to SCOs and ensure they are doing everything they can to protect their passengers.
The NHVR’s efforts to ensure compliance within the bus industry extend far beyond the roadside. Our dedicated Stakeholder Engagement team held a series of webinars during February, providing the industry with information on key topics such as the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and how to comply with the HVNL including access permits and notices, and fatigue.
However, it’s not only the bus industry that needs to be vigilant in prioritising safety. General motorists must know how to drive safely around buses, including making sure they don’t overtake or pass a bus with flashing lights at more than 40km/h. The NHVR launched the bus iteration of the We All Need Space road safety campaign in April last year, to remind all road users of the importance of giving buses the space they need on Australian roads.
Finally, I would like to remind all drivers that the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line (HVCRL) is ready to assist with resolving safety issues across the CoR. If you see something related to heavy vehicle safety that endangers the welfare of yourself or other road users, please contact the HVCRL on 1800 931 785.
No one should ever have to suffer because of preventable circumstances – and by conducting Operation Solstice, the NHVR is taking an important step toward ensuring this doesn’t occur again. I implore every bus driver and operator to prioritise safety above all else, so we can prevent further tragedy and ensure Australia’s roads are safe for all.
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