Minibus Club Article Archive

Accidents are a sad fact of life; they happen and there’s an end to it. Is this true? Inasmuch as accidents do happen, it is but there are procedures the minibus driver can follow that can lessen the dangers after an accident and make the outcome far easier to handle. What are these procedures? Read on and learn.

The minibus driver’s first responsibility here the safety of his passengers, and of anyone else involved. So, his or her first action should be to ensure that the minibus is in a safe location. Park the vehicle off the carriageway (if possible) and apply the handbrake. Then switch on the minibus’s hazard lights; if a warning triangle is carried, it can be placed no less than 50 metres from the vehicle. This can be done later and a triangle shouldn’t be used on a motorway, for the sake of the driver’s own safety.

The passengers come next in the post-accident checklist. Regardless of the severity of the impact, the minibus driver should find out if anyone on board is injured. Passengers may be in varying states of distress but it’s essential to establish that anyone who has been injured is made a comfortable, applying simple first aid if necessary. Obviously, anyone with apparently severe injuries should not be moved. Should the emergency services be required, make the relevant call(s) as quickly as possible. Give as much information as you can about the vehicle’s location and the number and status of any injured passengers, and do not leave the scene before the services arrive.

Keeping calm is important, as is keeping everyone inside the minibus. Human nature dictates that panic spreads and that people will try to get away from what they see as a dangerous situation. In fact, it’s far more dangerous to have panicked passengers exiting a vehicle on to a busy carriageway. So, assuming there is no evidence of further danger, such as fire, the minibus should remain fully occupied. Should there be any such danger, or should parking off the road be impossible, have the passengers assemble well away from the minibus, and from traffic.

The subsequent steps are all about legalities and insurance. As such, they aren’t as engaging as the above but are at least equally as important. They consist of the following points:-

1. Take details of all vehicles involved, jotting down the make, model and registration number of each. Take the names, addresses and insurance details of all drivers concerned. You must, by law, give your name, address, contact number and insurer details to other parties involved.

2. Make a simple sketch of the accident, noting down details such as date, time, estimated speed, location and circumstances. Using a mobile phone’s camera or a digital camera to record the scene could prove invaluable. Remember to ask any attending police officer for an incident number.

3. After a minor incident, or one where nobody else is involved, you may continue after you’ve ensured that no-one is injured and that the minibus remains roadworthy.

4. After a serious accident, the minibus driver must report any injuries to the police.

5. Never admit liability, apologise or offer payment at the scene. Doing so may affect any claim against you.

6. Finally, take the name and contact details from any witnesses.

Being armed with the above advice means the minibus driver will be able to minimise the immediate dangers and deal with the outcome of an accident relatively easily. Conversely, not following this advice can lead to all manner of problems, especially where an insurance claim ensues.

Article Resource
If you’d like to save money on your minibus insurance, look no further than The Minibus Club. Request a FREE quote now by calling our hotline on 08456 090323 or visit our website at www.minibusclub.co.uk

Cutting motoring costs is one way of saving money during this difficult financial time. The falling price of petrol is helping but insurance premiums continue to rise, largely due to the rise in claims by younger motorists.

There are ways a minibus driver can lower their premiums and here are ten suggestions that may help:

1. Reduce the number of people who can drive.
Money will be saved by reducing the number of named drivers on your policy. It is simple and more cost effective to arrange temporary cover for an extra driver as and when you need it, rather than insuring them the whole year.

Younger named drivers may prove more expensive to insure, even though the minimum age to drive a minibus is 21.

2. Drive safely.
By keeping the minibus in good condition and driving carefully, the risk of an accident is significantly reduced. This in turn will build your no claims bonus and could save up to 70% on your insurance premium over 5 years.

3. Park off the road at night.
Park the minibus in a garage or on a private drive at night. If neither of these are available find a secure, well lit area to leave the vehicle.

4. Avoid distractions when driving.
Don’t talk to passengers, be tempted to use a mobile phone or communicate using an onboard microphone while driving. These are all distractions that will increase the risk of an accident.

5. Pay annually.
Paying monthly will often incur interest charges. Avoid these charges by paying for the minibus insurance upfront.

6. Avoid making small claims.
If the cost of repair after an accident is only a little more than the insurance’s excess it may not be worth making a claim as you will lose the no claims discount.

7. Don’t speed.
A minibus driver with two or more convictions for speeding can see their insurance premium rise by over 25%.

8. Don’t pay for cover you don’t need
Avoid paying for extra insurance that you don’t need. If your minibus is valued a less than £2,000 Third Party Fire and Theft may be more suitable than the more expensive Comprehensive insurance.

9. Take a driving course
A minibus driver may be entitled to a discount on their minibus insurance if they have successfully completed a driving course. A recognised course is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MIDAS).

10. Use a specialist insurance provider
A specialist minibus insurance provider will tailor the policy to your specific requirements, ensuring you have the right amount of cover at the right price. Find a provider than has no admin charges and can offer assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Article Resource
If you’d like to save money on your minibus insurance, look no further than The Minibus Club. Request a FREE quote now by calling our hotline on 0845 609 0323 or visit our website at www.minibusclub.co.uk.

If after an accident a minibus is found to be unroadworthy the driver will be held responsible and it is unlikely that any minibus insurance claim will be approved.

For this reason and because it is now a legal requirement, a minibus driver must check the vehicle is safe to drive, even if the minibus has just returned from being serviced. To maintain a minibus’ roadworthiness and not invalidate your minibus insurance, this article identifies five simple checks that should be made before any journey:

1. Tyres

Tread depth must be a minimum of 1.6mm. This is a legal requirement and applies to the entire circumference of the tyre.

Most tyres have a wear indicator built into the tread. Look for a horizontal bar of rubber located between the tread patterns, at a depth of 2mm. Ideally minibus tyres should have at least 3mm of tread.

Check the condition of the tyre. Look for any unusual bulges or lumps as these are often a sign of internal damage. If there is any cracking or crazing on the sidewalls of the tyres then they should be replaced rather than risking a blowout.

Ensure the tyres are inflated to the manufacturers recommended pressure, and do not forget to check the spare tyre.

2. Windscreen

Check the windscreen for any chips or cracks. Chipped windscreens can be repaired. If not there is a risk that the windscreen will shatter just by going over a bump in the road.

Ensure the windscreen wipers are in good working order and their rubber blades have not deteriorated. And keep the windscreen washer fluid topped up, especially in winter.

3. Mirrors

Check all the mirrors. Make sure they are clean and have good visibility. If necessary adjust the mirrors to their correct positions. Replace any cracked mirrors at the earliest opportunity.

4. Lights

Check all the lights are clean and working correctly. Always carry spare bulbs and fuses in case they are required on the journey.

5. Fuel

Check you have enough fuel to get the minibus to its destination. As obvious as this may seem one of the main reasons why roadside recovery is called out to assist a motorist is because a vehicle has run out of fuel”.

Running out of fuel will not only inconvenience the minibus passengers but may cause damage to the vehicle’s engine.

These checks are not a substitute for having the minibus serviced by a qualified garage at least once a year. Safety checks must be made on essential items such as brakes, steering and suspension.

It is not only your minibus insurance that you are putting at risk if a minibus is not maintained in a roadworthy condition; it is the safety of your passengers and other road users.

Article Resource
The Minibus Club is a specialist minibus insurance provider and has offered UK minibus insurance quotes since 1997. Visit their website for minibus driving advice and to receive a free online quote for minibus insurance.

If you have a large family and are considering purchasing a minibus to use a family car, there are certain things you should know. In this article we have identified five. They are:

1) Definition of a Minibus

MPV’s and People Carriers can have 7 or 8 seats but this does not class them as a minibus. It’s an important distinction as it may affect your insurance and driving licence requirements.

The classification for a minibus is a vehicle that has between 9 to 16 passenger seats. Any more seats then the vehicle you’re driving is as a coach!

2) Driving Licence Requirements

Driving licences issued after the 1st January 1997 require a category D1 classification, which can be obtained by applying to the DVLA and passing a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) test.

As the minibus is a family vehicle and not being used commercially, there are exemptions to this regulation that will allow it to be driven with a full category B (car) licence, but only if the following conditions are met:

1. The minibus is used as a family vehicle but not for hire and reward.

2. You must be over 21 and have held your Category B license for more than 2 years. If you are over 70 then you are required to meet the health standards for driving a D1 vehicle.

3. No payment can be accepted for driving the minibus.

4. The minibus cannot weigh more than 3.5 tonnes or 4.25 tonnes with special equipment for carrying disabled passengers.

5. Towing a trailer of any size is prohibited.

6. The minibus can only be driven in the UK. Driving in Europe will require a D1 licence.

3) Driving in Europe
A ‘waybill’ or an ‘own account certificate’ may be needed regardless of whether the minibus is being used a family vehicle or for hire or reward.

Other documents that should be kept in the vehicle include a minibus insurance certificate, European accident form and Vehicle Registration document. A specialist minibus insurance provider will be able to advise whether a Green Card is also needed.

When driving in Europe a GB sticker or EU style GB sticker must be prominently displayed on the minibus at all times.

A tachograph may be required for international journeys starting from the UK as the driver must comply with EU ‘drivers’ hours’ regulations.
Check out all rules and regulations before driving to any international country. The International Road Freight Office, embassies and tourist information offices can provide you with the necessary advice.

4) Driving in the UK

Speed limits for a minibus on UK roads are:

30 mph in urban and residential areas
50 mph on A class (single-carriageway) roads
60 mph on dual-carriageway roads
70 mph on motorways

The speed limit on motorways is reduced to 60 mph when towing a trailer and the fast lane cannot be used for overtaking.

Other issues a minibus driver should be aware of include:

a) A fire extinguisher and a first aid kit must be carried at all times.
b) Avoid using horns or reversing bleepers between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am.
c) Use the minibus’ side lights if parking it on the street at night.

Remember that a minibus handles differently to a car. For the comfort of your passengers, drive carefully around bends and when braking.

Stopping distance is greatly increased with a minibus. In good weather allow at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front. Double this distance for wet conditions and add even further distance for icy roads.

5) Minibus Insurance

As with a car, minibus insurance is required by law. The three types of insurance available are:

Third Party
This is the minimum cover required by law. It covers injury to third parties and their property, and some legal costs.

Third Party Fire and Theft
The additional cover with this policy is for damage or loss of the taxi operator’s minibus by fire and theft.

Comprehensive
The highest level of minibus insurance, covering damage to the vehicle after an accident irrespective of whether it was the policy holder’s fault or not. Other cover may include new vehicle replacement, windscreen/window breakages, replacement locks, medical expenses and loss of personal effects.

To avoid paying too much for minibus insurance, seek advice from a specialist minibus insurance provider. They will tailor a policy to your specific requirements rather than selling you a standard commercial policy. Another benefit is the availability of an advisor 24 hour a day, to help if you have had an accident or breakdown and to ensure there are no unexpected surprises when making a claim.

Article Resource
The Minibus Club is a specialist minibus insurance provider and has offered UK minibus insurance quotes since 1997. Visit their website to get a free quote for charity minibus insurance or call their hotline on 0845 609 0323. See how much you could save on your minibus insurance.

As a minibus driver the care and safety of your passengers is very important.

To fulfil this duty and avoid having to make any unnecessary claims on your minibus insurance, consider the points outlined below:

1. Ensure the minibus is roadworthy. As the driver of a minibus you are responsible for its condition when it’s on the road although the operator may also be responsible for permitting its use in a defective state.

Even if the vehicle has just returned from being serviced the responsibility for its use remains with you and operator. Apart from anything else failure to maintain a minibus’ roadworthiness may invalidate your minibus insurance.

2. Plan a journey before setting out to avoid adding extra journey time by getting lost. Consider your passenger’s needs by factoring in adequate rest stops.

3. If you are transporting children you cannot be responsible for supervising their behaviour and also concentrate on driving the minibus. Take a passenger assistant with you, preferably someone who the children know.

It’s useful if the assistant has the correct licence and training to drive a minibus if for any reason you are unable to continue with the journey.

4. Brief your passengers before commencing the journey. Tell them how long the journey will be and when you’ll be taking any rest stops.

Advise the passengers of the safety issues including the dangers of boisterous behaviour, especially if they are children.

5. Ensure all passengers have a seat and seatbelts are worn if fitted. In case of emergency every seated passenger must have access to two exits at all times. Make sure luggage is not obstructing the aisle.

6. The minibus must be able to accommodate passengers with mobility difficulties. Wheelchairs can face forward or backwards, but not sideways.

Passengers may have other needs which could include mental, emotional, medical, behavioural or learning difficulties. As the driver it is important that you or your passenger’s assistant are aware of these needs and are able to assist the passenger if required.

7. Before starting the journey check that all luggage and equipment is stored securely. Check the minibus doors are closed but not locked. Ensure the aisle and exits are free from obstruction.

8. Places where passengers are picked up and dropped off should be planned in advance of the journey. Consideration must be given to the safety of the passengers while waiting to be picked up, and when boarding and exiting the minibus.

If you are a regular minibus driver take a driver training course, such as the MiDAS (Minibus Driver Training Scheme) organised by the Community Transport Association (CTA). This will cover all aspects of passenger care and gives guidance on what to do in the event of an emergency or passenger illness.

Evidence that you’ve passed a driver training course may even entitle you to a discount on the minibus insurance.

Article Resource
The Minibus Club is a specialist minibus insurance provider and has offered UK minibus insurance quotes since 1997. Visit their website to get a free quote for charity minibus insurance or call their hotline on 0845 609 0323. See how much you could save on your minibus insurance.

Nobody wants to be in accident but sometimes it is unavoidable. When driving a minibus the first concern should be for your passengers’ safety.

Assess your passengers. If any are injured do not move them unless there is an immediate risk from other vehicles or fire. If the minibus must be vacated move the passengers to a safe location as far from the vehicle as possible. Be aware of approaching traffic when exiting the minibus.

If there are any injuries or the road has been blocked or damaged by the accident, call the emergency services immediately.

To help with any minibus insurance or legal claims that might follow collect the following information:

1) Driver details
Collect the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the other drivers involved in the accident. Try to obtain the name of their insurance company and policy number. If you have any suspicions that they may not be telling the truth, it is worth noting a short description of the driver and any distinguishing features.

It is the law that drivers exchange details after an accident. If a driver fails to stop or refuses to give their details, notify the police immediately.

It is advisable to keep details of your minibus insurance in your vehicle to give to the other drivers.

2) Vehicle details
Gather as much information about the vehicles involved as possible. This will include registration, make, model, colour and any modifications that have been made to the vehicles.

3) Time and date of the incident

4) Driving conditions
Note what the weather was at the time of the accident. Include information about visibility and road condition.

If it was dark record details of the lighting conditions including street lighting.

5) Damage
Make a detailed record of the damage to your minibus and to the other vehicles involved.

6) Injuries
Gather information about the injuries to your minibus passengers and anyone other persons involved in the accident. This may include pedestrians.

If a dog or farm animal has been injured you are required by law to report the incident to the police. This does not apply to cats or wild animals but check the animal is not injured or suffering.

7) Emergency Services
Record any details of the emergency services attending the scene. Request an accident report number from the attending police services.

8 ) Accident Scene
Take a photograph of the accident scene and draw a sketch of the vehicles positioning prior to and after the incident.

Make a note of the road type and any significant road markings, signs or obstructions such as a skip.

Record the estimated speed of the vehicles involved and whether headlights or indicators were being used.

You may not be able to record all this information at the time of the accident. In this case return to the scene as soon as possible, while the incident is still fresh in your memory.

Being involved in an accident is a stressful situation. But by staying calm and recording as much information as possible, it will assist your minibus insurance provider with any claims or legal disputes that may follow. To gather this information it is helpful to carry a pen, paper and disposable camera with you in your minibus.

Remember to inform your minibus insurance provider as soon as possible. Most good providers will have an advisor available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist you with your claim.

Article Resource
The Minibus Club is a specialist minibus insurance provider and has offered UK minibus insurance quotes since 1997. Visit their website to get a free quote for charity minibus insurance or call their hotline on 0845 609 0323. See how much you could save on your minibus insurance.

If you’re planning a trip to a popular ski resort in Europe with friends or family, why not travel together in a minibus.

It can be better value for money if everyone chips in to hire a minibus rather than paying individually for air fares or train tickets. Costs like insurance, fuel and ferry fares can be shared and it will add up to a lot less for each person than most other forms of travel. Not only this, it’s also great fun. Driving through Europe with friends and family becomes a real adventure. Unlike travelling by air or rail, you’ll be able to really experience the countries you pass through. And it will become a holiday in itself even before the skiing starts!

This article is a brief guide to things you need to know about minibus insurance if you’re planning to drive to Europe in a minibus.

Don’t get confused between minibuses and people carriers. A minibus is defined as a vehicle that can carry at least seven seated passengers, but not more than sixteen. If the vehicle has more than sixteen seats then you’re driving a bus!

If you’re travelling with friends and family there are obviously no fare paying passengers. Remember to tell your minibus insurance provider this as the journey will be classed as private and non-commercial. This makes a difference when your premium is calculated.

There are a number of essential documents, as well as the minibus insurance certificate, that the driver must carry when driving from the UK to a European destination. If you’re travelling only within the European Union member states and the ASOR European Union signatory states, which includes Turkey, Norway and Switzerland, you’ll need a “waybill” that acts as a “control document”.

A Green Card, while not necessarily essential for the trip, will serve in the EU as recognised proof of your valid minibus insurance. It will also make any claims that may arise much easier to deal with. Remember that every country has its own local driving laws that you should be aware of. Your minibus insurance will depend on all local laws being observed.

For international journeys originating in the UK, the minibus insurance will depend on the driver complying with EU drivers’ hours whether or not the driver is being paid. This means that a properly calibrated tachograph needs to be fitted to the minibus. Insurance claims are not likely to be honoured if the proper drivers’ hours are not closely observed.

It is important to carry all the documentation required for the journey. The “waybill” has already been mentioned. If the minibus is owned by a member of the group and not hired, then an Own Account Certificate (OAC) is required. The vehicle registration document should also be carried along with a European accident form. Remember that the minibus will need to have a prominent GB sticker displayed.

Using a minibus to drive to a European ski resort from the UK is simple, cost-effective and fun for all concerned. However, for minibus insurance purposes, it is essential that you comply with the local laws and carry the correct documentation at all times.

Article Resource
The Minibus Club is a specialist minibus insurance provider and has offered UK minibus insurance quotes since 1997. Visit their website for minibus driving advice and to receive a free online quote for minibus insurance.

Driving a minibus is very different to driving a car. There may be up to 16 other people in the vehicle that you are responsible for. And you don’t want to be making any avoidable claims on your minibus insurance. This article outlines some of the legal requirements and safe driving practices required when using a minibus.

Passenger safety is very important for a minibus driver. Ask everyone to fasten their seat belts. It is now law for seat belts to be used at all times by the driver and passengers. Children below 135cm in height need to wear a child restraint in addition to a seat belt.

Conduct an inspection of the minibus before setting out on a journey to ensure its road worthiness. It’s important to check the lights and indicators are functioning correctly, tyres are in good condition and the brakes are in good working order.

Ensure luggage is securely stowed and all the exits are clear. When the minibus is moving, keep doors unlocked to enable a quick exit in an emergency.

It’s advisable not to allow passengers to drink alcohol on a minibus. Alcohol is actually illegal on buses going to and from sporting fixtures. As a driver, be aware of the amount of alcohol you consume the night before driving. Alcohol may still be present in your blood the next day, which will affect your driving ability and fail a breathalyser test if stopped by the police.

There is now a requirement of all minibuses registered after 1st January 2005 to be fitted for with a speed limiter, restricting their maximum speed to 62 mph.

Speed limits for a minibus on UK roads are:

30 mph in urban and residential areas
50 mph on A class (single-carriageway) roads
60 mph on dual-carriageway roads
70 mph on motorways

The speed limit on motorways is reduced to 60 mph when towing a trailer and the fast lane should also not be used for overtaking.

Other issues a minibus driver should be aware of include:

1) A fire extinguisher and a first aid kit must be carried at all times.
2) Avoid using horns or reversing bleepers between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am.
3) Use the minibus’ side lights if parking it on the street at night.

A minibus handles differently to a car. For the comfort of your passengers, drive carefully around bends and when braking. Stopping distance is greatly increased with a minibus. In good weather allow at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front. Double this for wet conditions and add even further distance for icy roads.

Tiredness is one of the most common causes of minibus accidents. Remember to take plenty of breaks even if you do not feel tired. It is currently recommended to take a 20 minute break after 2 hours of driving.

Safe driving practices prevent accidents and without making claims you will save money on your minibus insurance. The Minibus Club is a good resource for more advice about driving a minibus.

Article Resource
The Minibus Club is a specialist minibus insurance provider and has offered UK minibus insurance quotes since 1997. Visit their website for minibus driving advice and to receive a free online quote for minibus insurance.

A minibus driver that passes a driver training course may be entitled to greater discounts on their minibus insurance.

The Community Transport Association (CTA) is the lead UK body for voluntary and community transport. They oversee two minibus driver training schemes which are recognised by most insurance companies, MiDAS and CommunityDriver.

MiDAS

MiDAS (Minibus Driver Training Scheme) is a nationally recognised scheme organised by CTA for the assessment and training of minibus drivers. It was originally developed by Hampshire County Council and provides organisations with a standard to train their drivers to.

MiDAS is suitable not only for small organisations that operate one minibus but for larger companies operating a fleet of vehicles. CTA have appointed a number of training agents who can visit an organisation to assess and train the drivers. Or the training can be undertaken in house once a company representative has passed CAT’s Driver Assessor/Trainers (DAT) assessment.

Areas that are covered in the MiDAS test include:

1. Minibus driving skills to an acceptable standard.
2. General defensive driving.
3. Driver’s personal safety.
4. Passenger safety.
5. Roadside inspections.
6. Breakdown and accident procedures.
7. Legal requirements for drivers.
8. Disability awareness.
9. Use of passenger safety, access and storage equipment.
10. Passenger assistance.

As well as possible reductions on minibus insurance, the MiDAS test increases a driver’s confidence, reducing their levels of stress. Passenger safety and comfort is improved. And the MiDAS certificate enhances a minibus organisation’s image.

CommunityDriver

Changes to driving licence legislation on 1st January 1997 require all licences issued after this date to have D1 classification for driving a minibus.

To obtain a D1 licence a driver must pass a theory test, a hazard perception test and then undertake a full medical. The CommunityDriver scheme provides all that is needed to obtain the licence, including locally based trainers and learning materials. Tests are arranged at convenient locations for the driver.

A minibus can be driven on a category B (car) licence, without a D1 classification, but only if the following conditions are met:

1. The minibus is not being used for hire and reward.

2. The driving licence has been held for more than 2 years and the driver is over 21. Drivers over 70 must meet the health standards required for a D1 licence.

3. Payment cannot be accepted for driving the minibus.

4. The weight of the minibus must not exceed 3.5 tonnes. This limit is raised to 4.25 tonnes when special equipment for disabled passengers is being carried.

5. Trailers cannot be towed.

6. The minibus can only be driven in the UK.

The Minibus Club is an excellent resource for finding more about minibus driver training. Evidence of training such as the MiDAS certificate will not guarantee a discount on your minibus insurance but it is looked on favourably by many insurance providers.

Whether it is your own minibus or a hire vehicle it is useful to know what to do in the event of an accident. A claim on your minibus insurance is the usual outcome after an accident. This article outlines the information that needs to be gathered at the scene to prevent any dispute.

As a minibus driver the first consideration after an accident is to make the scene as safe as possible.

1. Switch your minibus hazard lights on. Use a warning triangle if available. Take great care when placing the triangle at least 50 metres away from the vehicle. Warning triangles should never be used on the motorway.

2. Assess your passengers. If any are injured do not move them unless there is an immediate risk from other vehicles or fire. If the minibus must be vacated move the passengers to a safe location as far from the vehicle as possible. Be aware of approaching traffic when exiting the minibus.

3. If needed call the emergency services immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible about the accident scene and any injured passengers. As the minibus driver you will be required to stay at the scene until they arrive.

4. Any injuries should be reported to the Police. Try to keep details of all vehicles and people involved in the accident.

5. If the accident is minor or does not involve other people, check there are no injuries to your passengers and your minibus is roadworthy before continuing with your journey.

When an accident is serious enough that an insurance claim may follow do not admit liability at the scene. As rude as it may seem, do not apologise. This can be interpreted as admitting liability. And do not offer any payment.

The law requires you to give any person who is affected by the accident your details. These should include your name, contact number and the name of you insurance provider. A specialist minibus insurance provider such as The Minibus Club will be able to advise you about this.

It is very important to record all details of an accident. Information should include:

1. Vehicles involved
Record the types of vehicles and their registration number. Obtain the details of the other people involved in the accident including their name, address, contact number, insurance details and policy number.

2. Accident scene
Include details about the weather, visibility and road condition. Estimate the speed of the vehicles prior to the accident. Record the location of the accident, the date and the time. If the police attend the scene then ask for an incident number.

3. Details of Witness
Ask for the name and contact details of any people who witnessed the accident.

The best advice if involved in an accident is to stay calm. Losing your temper, however angry you may feel, will not help an already difficult situation. As a minibus driver your first responsibility is to your passengers and their safety. By taking a controlled approach to the situation will prevent putting others at further risk. The details gathered at the scene of the accident will be valuable information for resolving any legal or minibus insurance issues that may follow.