In response to the horrific Hunter bus tragedy, the federal government is now enforcing new seatbelt laws to prevent future incidents.
The June 2023 incident claimed 10 lives – Darcy Bulman, Nadene McBride and her daughter Kyah, Kane Symons, Andrew Scott and his wife Lynan, Zach Bray, Angus Craig, Tori Cowburn and Rebecca Mullen – and injured more than 25 people.
Now, following consultation with the states, territories and industry, the federal government is updating the safety requirements for all new busses and coaches.
Falling under the Australian Design Rules (ADR), visual and audio alerts similar to those on airplanes will be played to encourage usage where three-point seatbelts are already fitted.
The legislation also removes a loophole which previously allowed some coaches to not be fitted with seat belts.
All requirements will apply from 1 November 2026 for new models of buses and coaches, and from 1 November 2027 for new existing vehicles.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm said the incident demonstrated the devastating impact fatal crashes have on the wider community.
“The pain caused by the devastating bus crash in the Hunter Valley continues to be felt by the families and wider community 18 months after the incident,” said Minister Chisholm.
“Nothing is more important than ensuring people get home safely each time they travel on our roads, that’s why our government is doing what it can to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring again.
Despite current data showing bus and coach travel is one of the safest forms of transport, the size and passenger capacity of the vehicles can lead to a greater number of serious injuries and fatalities if an incident occurs.
According to Bus Industry Confederation Chair Tony Hopkins, the new requirements demonstrates the country’s commitment road safety and co-operation with business, states and territories.
“Our industry applauds the government’s commitment to bus operators, the public and, bus safety on delivering the first in a series of outcomes to further improve bus safety for the millions of loved ones we carry every day,” said Mr Hopkins.
“These safety outcomes further improve what is generally regarded as the most stringent seatbelt rules for buses in the world.
“With seat belt usage currently as low as 7% on some services, this provides a simple but powerful message, that reminds bus passengers to fasten a seat belt.
“After all, if a seat belt is provided in a bus it must be worn by law.”
For more news stories:
- Woman caught with $80,000 cash, drugs in Mayfield
- It’s a ‘con job’ says Dutton as experts welcome green aluminium scheme
- Man arrested after Audi crashes into brick wall
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
