BUS BLIND SPOTS: WHAT EVERY DRIVER NEEDS TO KNOW

Buses are a vital part of our transport system in the ACT — from school runs to public transport and long-distance coaches. But they’re also large, high-risk vehicles with significant blind spots and limited maneuverability. Whether you're driving a car, riding a motorcycle, cycling, or walking near a bus, understanding how they operate can prevent serious incidents. 

🚍 Blind Spots on Buses

Buses have blind zones where the driver’s visibility is limited or completely obstructed — even with mirrors and cameras.

Blind Spot Area

Front - Due to the elevated   cab position and sloped windscreen, bus drivers may not see pedestrians, cyclists, or small vehicles close in front.

Left side  (nearside) - Often the largest   blind spot, especially on articulated and low-floor buses where doors or   structural pillars block mirror views.

Right side - Mirrors reduce this   blind spot, but passing cars or motorcyclists can still disappear   momentarily.

Rear - Buses typically have   no internal rear-view mirror — all vision behind relies on external   cameras or side mirrors.

➡️ If you can’t see the driver’s face or eyes in the mirror, assume they can’t see you.

🚗 What Drivers and Road Users Need to Be Aware Of

1. Bus Length and Turning Radius

• Standard city buses are around 12 metres long.
• Articulated buses (bendy buses) can be up to 18 metres long.
• Double-deckers or regional coaches are heavier, taller, and often slower to manoeuvre.

💡 These vehicles need more space to turn, often swinging wide at intersections or pulling out from bus bays at sharp angles.

• Don’t assume they’ll stay within one lane when turning.
• Give them room and never block intersections or turning paths.

➡️ Never squeeze between a bus and the kerb— especially when it’s turning left.

2. Sitting Beside a Bus

• Staying beside a bus, especially near the rear section, puts you in a significant blind zone.
• Articulated buses pivot — meaning the rear can swing into your lane unexpectedly.
• Bus drivers checking mirrors may still miss fast-approaching vehicles or cyclists in their side blind spots.

➡️ Pass efficiently. Don’t travel parallel for long stretches.

3. Wind Push and Vehicle Displacement

• Buses moving at high speed displace a significant volume of air.
• This creates a "wind push" or suction effect, especially noticeable to:
  • Motorcyclists
  • Small cars
  • Cyclists

This aerodynamic force can cause your vehicle to sway or feel unstable as a bus overtakes or passes nearby.

➡️ Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and leave plenty of space.

4. Cutting In Front of a Bus

• Buses can weigh up to 20 tonnes  when fully loaded — and they don’t stop like a car.
• Braking too closely in front of a bus creates a high risk of a rear-end collision, especially in:
  • Peak hour traffic
  • Wet weather
  • School zones or stop/start environments

➡️ Wait until you see both of the bus’s headlights in your rear-view mirror before merging back in.

🚦 Extra Considerations for All Road Users

• Merging: Give buses the right of way when they’re indicating to leave a bus stop. It’s the law in built-up areas under 80km/h.
• Pedestrians: Don’t assume a bus driver sees you at a crossing. Wait for eye contact or the full stop before stepping out.
• Cyclists: Never overtake a bus on the left at intersections or near stops. You may be in the nearside blind spot.
• Motorcyclists: Be extra cautious when filtering or lane sharing — your small size makes you easily lost in mirror views.

Top Tips for Sharing the Road with Buses

Stopped at Lights - Don’t stop too close   to the front of a bus — stay well behind the bumper line.

Overtaking - Pass safely and   quickly — not beside the rear or near the rear articulation point.

Turning Buses - Watch for wide left   or right turns and give space.