Following the fatal bus incident in the Hunter Valley, NSW Premier Chris Minns will advocate for stricter seatbelt requirements.
On Sunday night near Greta, a coach overturned at a roundabout on Wine Country Drive, killing ten people.
Another 25 people with minor to serious head and neck damage, as well as fractured bones, were transported by car or helicopter to nearby hospitals.
Although the accident’s cause is still being investigated, the tragedy has prompted inquiries regarding the safety of the passengers’ seatbelt use.
Despite declining to address the specifics of the incident on Tuesday, Mr. Minns stated that it conveyed a “unambiguous message for everyone in this state” regarding the need of seatbelt safety.
“If there are seatbelts on coaches and buses in NSW, you are legally required to wear them,” he said. “It’s really important the message gets out there.”
If buses are equipped with seatbelts, passengers in New South Wales are expected to use them; however, the driver is powerless to enforce this requirement.
Seatbelt rules can only be enforced by police, who can also fine or punish passengers who are found to not be using their seatbelts.
According to Mr. Minns, he would strengthen the laws if the crash investigation indicated that it was necessary.
“We will be in constant communication with New South Wales Police,” Mr. Minns declared.
“We will, of course, act upon any recommendations they make to us any changes to the law relating to safety on buses, coaches, or in automobiles and vans in New South Wales.
“I want to make sure that those investigative bodies have the time and space to carry out their investigations and provide a report to the government of New South Wales. We’ll proceed from there.
While there were few fatal coach accidents nationwide, injury and trauma specialist Professor Rebecca Ivers stated that many road accident fatalities were caused by persons not wearing seatbelts.
Prof. Ivers, dean of the University of New South Wales School of Population Health, advised always fastening your seatbelt while boarding a bus.
“You really just need to be aware that a seatbelt will be quite effective in avoiding death and injury if you’re traveling at speed and have a sudden collision.
Although I believe the bus driver has the duty to ensure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts, everyone is accountable for doing so.
According to Prof. Ivers, fewer big buses have been involved in collisions in Australia since 2017, with fewer than one or two fatal collisions occurring year.
Although seatbelts are “the most important safety measure that we have on roads,” she acknowledged that there is still room for improvement.
From the end of 2024, all new coaches must have electronic stability control installed, according to a new regulation, Professor Ivers explained.
Due to the computer-assisted technology’s ability to keep drivers in control when swerving or skidding, rollovers are 30% less likely.
“Well, that’s something. And getting through has taken a very long time,” she remarked.
It’s not just about seatbelts; there are other laws that apply to car safety that we should be aware of.
