As millions of TV viewers are gripped by the dramatic minibus crash on Coronation Street this week, Jason Cowlishaw, senior motor underwriter with QBE, is taking the opportunity to remind minibus operators of some essential advice in the event of an accident, and to also check with their insurance broker that they have adequate cover in place.
Driver responsibility
The staff of Underworld are caught up in a horrific accident as they head off on a factory outing in a ‘Street Cars’ minibus driven by Steve McDonald.
As the driver, it would be Steve’s responsibility to ensure the minibus is kept clean and tidy at all times. Loose objects can be dangerous in a collision, heavy braking or during an emergency evacuation.
The driver should know where safety equipment is located and how to operate it, ensure that it is working properly and, where necessary, has been properly maintained.
In the event of an accident
If you are involved in any accident you must stop. If you don’t you will commit an offence which can result in a prison sentence.
Ensure that all the passengers are safe and unhurt. If there are injuries ensure that the emergency services are aware and attending.
Inform your employer as soon as possible.
As the driver you are responsible for ensuring that any evacuation of the minibus due to breakdown or collision is executed quickly and safely. You should ensure that you are in a position to assist and direct the evacuation. Where possible high visibility clothing should be worn to protect you and draw attention to other passenger’s movements.
Passengers should be reminded not to use doors that put them closer to live or moving traffic flows.
Items placed on the floors should be moved to under seats to ensure that exit routes remain clear and trip free. Passengers should generally exit in accordance with seating positions closest to the exit, leaving the minibus quickly but not hurried. If they can remove belongings without delay then that should be a decision you should take in light of the urgency of the evacuation.
In bad weather passengers should take clothing to ensure that they remain warm.
Emergency exits should be used unless they expose passengers to additional risks.
You should not attempt to tackle any fire unless it is completely safe to do so AND it is a very small localised one where there is no risk of fuel igniting. Your first priority is the safety of the passengers and yourself.
Supply of details
You should supply certain details to any person who has reasonable grounds for requiring them. The details are as below. At no time should you accept blame for the accident.
Details to be provided will depend on the circumstances of the accident. You MUST supply these details. If you do not, you will be in contravention of the law.
Damage only accident
- Your name and home address
- The name and address of the vehicle owner
- Registration number of the vehicle
Personal injury accident
Where there is ANY injury you should supply:
- Your name and home address
- The name and address of the vehicle owner
- Registration number of the vehicle
- Details of the vehicle insurance
If you are in any doubt whether any injury exists you should always assume that it does and provide the details above.
Where the above details cannot be supplied at the time to a person who has reasonable grounds to ask for them, this places a further requirement on you as the driver.
You MUST in person report the matter to the police as soon as practicable and in any case within 24 hours. This means that you must at the very earliest time report it to a police constable or to a police station. Any delay in doing so may render you liable to prosecution.
A Police Officer may require you to produce driving documents including your licence, a certificate of motor insurance and a valid test certificate for the vehicle (if applicable) immediately or at a police station, which you can decide, within seven days. You must comply with this and if you fail to do so you may be liable to prosecution.
QBE understand the Minibus market
QBE is recognised as a leading minibus insurer as part of its wider bus and coach insurance portfolio, with roots in the minibus market dating back over 20 years to 1993. This gives us a full understanding of the insurance requirements and legislative background that minibus operators must act within.
QBE offers a wide range of solutions for minibus operators across a whole range of uses. We have designed our products specifically around the needs of minibus users.
For more information please speak with your insurance broker about QBE products.
A free handbook for minibus operators is available for download on the QBE website at: http://www.qbeeurope.com/documents/fastflow/Minibus%20Handbook.pdf
More information on the ITV Coronation Street website.
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