Passenger Safety and Air Brakes Flashcards

When driving a bus, how should you manage passenger safety at a bus stop?

Answer: Come to a complete stop, wait until all passengers are seated or holding before moving, and check mirrors before pulling away

At every stop, wait until the doors are closed and all passengers are safely seated or holding a support rail before moving. Check mirrors for passengers who may still be near the bus before pulling away.

What is the legal requirement for seat belts on coaches (express buses) in Ireland?

Answer: All seats on coaches must have seat belts and all passengers must wear them — the driver must ensure compliance

Coaches (long-distance buses) must have seat belts at all passenger seats. Passengers must wear them. The driver must ensure seat belts are available and make an announcement reminding passengers to buckle up.

What is the purpose of a retarder on a large truck or bus?

Answer: A secondary braking system (exhaust, hydraulic, or electromagnetic) that slows the vehicle without using the service brakes — reduces brake wear and fade risk

Retarders provide additional braking effect through engine or driveline resistance (exhaust retarder), electromagnetic resistance (electromagnetic retarder), or hydraulic resistance. They reduce service brake wear and heat on descents.

What action must a bus driver take before closing the doors and moving off from a bus stop?

Answer: Check all mirrors and side cameras to ensure no passenger or pedestrian is in a dangerous position near the bus

Before moving off, use all mirrors and any CCTV cameras to check the full perimeter of the bus — particularly the nearside for passengers who may have been left behind and are approaching the bus.

How should a bus driver handle the bus when negotiating a sharp corner?

Answer: Slow to a safe speed before the corner, use a wider turning radius where permitted, and be aware of rear overhang sweeping into the opposite lane

Buses have a long wheelbase and significant rear overhang. When turning, the rear of the bus swings outward beyond the front's path. Drivers must allow extra width and warn other road users when making tight turns.

What is the safe speed at which to negotiate a motorway interchange (spiral ramp)?

Answer: Significantly below the advisory speed shown — large vehicles have a higher centre of gravity and greater rollover risk than cars

Advisory speeds on motorway ramps are calculated for cars. Trucks and buses have a much higher centre of gravity — following the car advisory speed risks rollover. Large vehicle drivers must reduce speed significantly on ramps.