PCV Passenger Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving a double-decker bus, what additional passenger safety concern must you be aware of?
- Passengers on the upper deck may not hear announcements
- Passengers on the upper deck could be thrown from their seats during harsh braking or cornering (Correct answer)
- The upper deck is always colder so passengers may complain
- Passengers prefer to sit downstairs so the upper deck is usually empty
Correct answer: Passengers on the upper deck could be thrown from their seats during harsh braking or cornering
On double-decker buses, passengers on the upper deck are more vulnerable to being thrown from seats during harsh braking or cornering due to the higher centre of gravity. Drivers must drive smoothly and anticipate stops well in advance.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the 'kneeling' facility on modern low-floor buses?
- To allow the driver to rest during breaks
- To lower the entrance step height for easier passenger boarding and alighting (Correct answer)
- To improve fuel efficiency when stationary
- To reduce tyre wear at bus stops
Correct answer: To lower the entrance step height for easier passenger boarding and alighting
The kneeling facility lowers the front nearside of the bus, reducing the step height at the entrance. This makes boarding and alighting easier for elderly passengers, those with mobility difficulties, and passengers with pushchairs or heavy luggage.
Question 3: You notice a passenger has left luggage unattended on your bus. What should you do?
- Move it to the lost property area and continue the route
- Do not touch it, stop the bus safely, evacuate passengers, and contact your control room or police (Correct answer)
- Place it outside the bus at the next stop
- Make an announcement asking who owns it and wait for a response
Correct answer: Do not touch it, stop the bus safely, evacuate passengers, and contact your control room or police
Unattended luggage must be treated as a potential security threat. The driver should not touch it, should stop the vehicle safely, evacuate passengers to a safe distance, and immediately contact the control room or police for guidance.
Question 4: What is the minimum age at which a child can travel unaccompanied on a public bus in the UK?
- There is no minimum age set by law; it is at the operator's discretion (Correct answer)
- 5 years old
- 8 years old
- 12 years old
Correct answer: There is no minimum age set by law; it is at the operator's discretion
There is no specific legal minimum age for unaccompanied children on public buses in the UK. However, bus operators may set their own policies, and drivers should use professional judgement regarding the safety of very young children travelling alone.
Question 5: During an emergency evacuation of a PCV, which passengers should be assisted first?
- Passengers nearest to the exits
- Passengers who are most vocal about wanting to leave
- Passengers with reduced mobility, elderly, and those with young children (Correct answer)
- All passengers should exit simultaneously without priority
Correct answer: Passengers with reduced mobility, elderly, and those with young children
During an emergency evacuation, priority should be given to vulnerable passengers including those with reduced mobility, elderly passengers, and those with young children. These groups may need additional time and assistance to evacuate safely.
Question 6: What should you check about the passenger saloon before starting your first journey of the day?
- That the advertising posters are correctly displayed
- That seats are clean, grab rails are secure, floors are not slippery, emergency exits work, and the bell system functions (Correct answer)
- That the heating is switched on regardless of weather
- That all windows are fully closed
Correct answer: That seats are clean, grab rails are secure, floors are not slippery, emergency exits work, and the bell system functions
A thorough check of the passenger saloon is essential before service. This includes checking seats, grab rails, floor condition, emergency exits, bell system, lighting, and any hazards that could affect passenger safety during the journey.
PCV Passenger Safety 2
When driving a double-decker bus, what additional passenger safety concern must you be aware of?