4 Mistakes New Bus Drivers Often Make

If you are just starting out as a new bus driver, there are a few things you must know to ensure a smooth journey when on the roads. Fortunately, many bad situations can be averted with just a little quick thinking and knowledge. Think One is a leading provider of commercial vehicle rental in Singapore, and to help you get started, we’ve identified some common mistakes that new bus drivers often make. Read on to learn more!

Not minimising speed

If you’ve recently purchased a mini bus for your business, you might have noticed that it requires more power to control and therefore takes longer to slow down or stop. Knowing this, it’s vital to accommodate for this extra time by minimising speed sooner than you typically would when driving a regular vehicle. 

When you drive fast, you lose control fast, and just one mistake could result in being on the side of the road. New bus drivers should always drive as cautiously as the situation demands. Be especially cautious about gaining speed when driving downhills. Once you gain speed, downshifting will be nearly impossible, and slowing down becomes tough. 

Neglecting pre-trip inspections

Pre-trip inspections are a crucial part of being a bus driver, as they help to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and other drivers on the road. New drivers often skip these inspections, either due to being in a hurry, or a lack of understanding when it comes to the importance of checking their commercial vehicle. However, skipping pre-trip inspections can result in serious problems, such as flat tires, mechanical failure, or safety hazards. Avoid these mistakes by performing a thorough pre-trip inspection by checking the brakes, lights, mirrors, and other important safety features. Making a pre-driving checklist also benefits the driver from unexpected errors on the road, ensuring that all the necessary inspections are completed.

Learn more: 3 Reasons To Hire a Charter Bus For Your Company Event

Not checking blind spots

Bus drivers should be extra vigilant about checking their blind spots before changing lanes. Because of their size, it’s often common for other motorists to underestimate the amount of space a bus needs to make a turn or change lanes. As a result, they may end up trying to cut off a bus that’s already in the process of changing lanes, which could lead to an accident. To avoid such incidents, always use your mirrors and turn your head to check your blind spots before making any lane changes. 

Being distracted while driving

Texting, talking on the phone, eating or drinking, and changing the radio station are all common distractions for drivers. However, taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can bring damaging consequences when operating such a large vehicle. These include causing the driver to lose focus, misjudge distances, and react too slowly in emergency situations. Hence, it is advisable for bus drivers to pull over at regular intervals to take a break and avoid driving for long periods of time. 

New bus drivers often make mistakes due to lack of experience or training, leading to serious consequences, such as causing accidents, injuring passengers, or damaging the bus. Keep these tips in mind on how to avoid these occurrences to ensure a smoother journey on the roads.

Searching for a commercial vehicle provider? Think One carries a wide range of commercial vehicles for all your automobile needs. Get in touch with our team to find the one best suited for your business model today!