This paper presents the main results analysis of bus and coach accident data in Britain, which are compared with other European countries. Bus and coach safety is an issue which commands considerable public attention: press reports of accidents are often emotive, and there are frequent calls for new safety legislation. Data on accidents are examined with the aim of providing a sound factual basis for rational discussion. British data for 1975-1985 has been used to examine the nature and circumstances of bus and coach accidents with the aim of identifying particular areas for attention. These include boarding and alighting, and accidents involving standing passengers. The number of non-seated passenger casualties is much higher than widely perceived (about 60% of all casualties). The proportion of other road users involved in bus and coach accidents, to bus occupants as such, is high. More detailed case studies have been carried out in selected areas. These highlight the importance of bus layout, especially of entry and exit. European comparisons are hampered by variation in definitions used. Nevertheless, comparisons have been made where possible, with particular attention paid to a selected sample of countries. The degree of public concern varies widely according to the severity of the problem within particular countries (comparing, for example, France with the Netherlands). International comparisons serve to put the experience of individual countries into context, and highlight areas where they could learn from each other. Broadly speaking, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and Finland have the best safety record and Great Britain the worst. However this may be due to differences in data collections. For example Great Britain is the only country which includes boarding and alighting accidents.
Abstract