What should be noted when driving a car near a bus stop with parked buses?
2 Answers
When driving a car near a bus stop with parked buses, it is important to be prepared to stop at any time; prevent the bus from suddenly starting; prevent pedestrians from crossing in front of the car; and always maintain a safe distance from the bus. Below are some precautions regarding vehicle operation: Safe driving: Use seat belts correctly. In the event of a severe collision, seat belts provide protection no less effective than airbags. Avoid fatigue driving; take a break every 2 hours. Obey traffic rules: Especially on highways, do not speed. Speeding not only risks penalties from traffic police but, more importantly, is unsafe.
You really need to stay extra vigilant when driving past bus stops. Last week, I almost hit a primary school student who suddenly darted out, which gave me a cold sweat down my spine. The bus body is so long that it often blocks the entire blind spot on the right side, making it impossible to see people waiting at the stop. So whenever I spot a bus pulling into a stop in the distance, I ease off the throttle in advance and slow down to under 40 km/h, with my right foot hovering over the brake pedal. Pay special attention to the front and rear of the bus—some people in a hurry might suddenly dash out from the front to cross the road, while the rear is a major blind spot hotspot. Remember, never think about overtaking or changing lanes at this time; the safest move is to stay patiently behind the bus. If the adjacent lane is clear, changing lanes to the left about 30 meters in advance to create lateral distance can significantly improve safety. Oh, and be extra cautious around bus stops near schools during dismissal times—I’ve seen many students crossing the road while glued to their phones, completely unaware of their surroundings.
