PCV Passenger Safety & Duty of Care 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a PCV driver completing a daily safety brief to passengers?
- To inform passengers of safety features (emergency exits, seatbelts, no smoking) — this is good practice and required on some services (Correct answer)
- Safety briefs are only required on aircraft
- It is optional and left to the driver's discretion
- Only required on journeys over 2 hours
Correct answer: To inform passengers of safety features (emergency exits, seatbelts, no smoking) — this is good practice and required on some services
On coaches, particularly private hire and long-distance services, drivers should deliver a safety briefing covering emergency exits, seatbelt use, and no smoking policy. Some operators require formal briefs. On local buses, this information is posted visibly.
Question 2: What is a PCV driver's responsibility if they notice a passenger is sleepwalking or appears very confused?
- Show concern and duty of care — speak calmly, do not leave them unaccompanied, contact control, and if necessary call for medical assistance (Correct answer)
- Ignore confused behaviour — passengers are adults responsible for themselves
- Ask the passenger to get off the bus
- Continue to the terminus and report it there
Correct answer: Show concern and duty of care — speak calmly, do not leave them unaccompanied, contact control, and if necessary call for medical assistance
A confused or disoriented passenger may have a medical condition (dementia, hypoglycaemia, etc.) or may be in danger. The driver should speak to them calmly, not leave them alone, contact the control room, and call 999 if there is a medical concern.
Question 3: What action must a PCV driver take if a passenger is injured on the vehicle?
- Stop, provide first aid, call emergency services if needed, and complete a formal incident report (Correct answer)
- Only complete a report if the passenger files a complaint
- First aid is the passenger's responsibility
- Continue to the terminus and report on return to depot
Correct answer: Stop, provide first aid, call emergency services if needed, and complete a formal incident report
Any passenger injury must be dealt with promptly: stop safely, provide first aid if trained, call 999 if necessary, ensure the scene is safe, assist emergency services on arrival, and complete a detailed incident report for the operator's records and insurance.
Question 4: How should a PCV driver deal with a highly intoxicated passenger who is not yet being violent?
- Prevent boarding or request they disembark at the next safe stop — an intoxicated person is a safety risk to themselves and others (Correct answer)
- Allow travel if they can walk unaided
- Only remove them if they become violent
- Intoxicated passengers are permitted by law — no action needed
Correct answer: Prevent boarding or request they disembark at the next safe stop — an intoxicated person is a safety risk to themselves and others
Operators have policies covering intoxicated passengers. An excessively drunk person poses a safety risk (may fall, be sick, or become violent). PCV drivers can refuse boarding or ask them to leave at the next safe stop, following operator procedures.
Question 5: What should a PCV driver do if a passenger tells them the driver just overshot their stop?
- Apologise, stop safely at the earliest opportunity and allow the passenger to alight safely — do not reverse on a road (Correct answer)
- Reverse to the stop immediately
- Explain that stopping is not possible and direct them to the next stop
- Continue — stops cannot be made outside of schedule
Correct answer: Apologise, stop safely at the earliest opportunity and allow the passenger to alight safely — do not reverse on a road
If a passenger has missed their stop, the driver should apologise and stop at the earliest safe point to allow them to alight. Reversing on public roads is dangerous and usually prohibited. The driver should show empathy and assist as much as possible.
Question 6: What is the duty of care for a PCV driver carrying school children on a contracted school service?
- Heightened duty of care — ensure all children are seated and belted (if belts fitted), supervise boarding and alighting, and ensure no child is left unsupervised (Correct answer)
- The same as for adult passengers — no additional duty
- Children are the responsibility of the escorting teacher only
- School services have the same duty as any other service
Correct answer: Heightened duty of care — ensure all children are seated and belted (if belts fitted), supervise boarding and alighting, and ensure no child is left unsupervised
School services carrying children require a heightened duty of care. If seatbelts are fitted, all children must use them. The driver should ensure safe boarding and alighting, supervise the area, and should not leave until all children are safely away from the vehicle.
PCV Passenger Safety & Duty of Care 4
What is the purpose of a PCV driver completing a daily safety brief to passengers?