RTC whos at fault

**chris1804** · 20th May 2012, 14:35

whos at fault?

im a bus driver and yesterday i was involved in a RTC, this is what happened i was coming down to a round about wanting to turn right so i indicated with a right signal this island is tight so i placed the bus in the right hand lane and the middle lane, i commited myself to go round the round about, all mirrors were clear on turning right ( im on the round about now) this car tried to over take me on the right and go all the way around the round about resulting in thE N/S/F of the car hitting the O/S/R of the bus below the fire exit, the women called her husband who was a taxi driver and i dont mean this in a rasict way he started talking to these chaps in his language and said to me these chaps will be my witness, so i think there going to come up with some bull crap

now the high way codes states:221

Large vehicles. These may need extra road space to turn or to deal with a hazard that you are not able to see. If you are following a large vehicle, such as a bus or articulated lorry, be aware that the driver may not be able to see you in the mirrors. Be prepared to stop and wait if it needs room or time to turn.

222

Large vehicles can block your view. Your ability to see and to plan ahead will be improved if you pull back to increase your separation distance. Be patient, as larger vehicles are subject to lower speed limits than cars and motorcycles. Many large vehicles may be fitted with speed limiting devices which will restrict speed to 56 mph (90 km/h) even on a motorway.
223

Buses, coaches and trams. Give priority to these vehicles when you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from stops. Look out for people getting off a bus or tram and crossing the road.

**Derek Mc** · 20th May 2012, 17:35

I hope you photographed the scene well? as the witnesses may prove to be of the "hostile" variety from your description. My thoughts however that you are in the clear document everything the conversation in said language etc etc then present your case to your manager.

Good luck I genuinely feel for you as most folks are utter idiots around large vehicles.

**alcutler** · 20th May 2012, 17:51

Did you ask the Police to attend - they may not have wanted to get involved in a non - injury accident (presume it was N/I) but they could have verified the circumstances of the accident.

**barney490** · 20th May 2012, 17:55

I would say her fault, she shouldn't of tried the overtake, particularly as you were indicating and she hit the o/s/r of your bus. Quite likely she didn't have a license either if road wars is to be belived!!!

**m8internet** · 20th May 2012, 17:57

Trying to overtake a vehicle already turning right!
It really depends on the layout of the roundabout

How many (marked) lanes were on the roundabout?

I've filled in a few independent reports for First Bus
They usually conclude the other vehicle to be at fault, as the other vehicle (initially behind and/or following) should be prepared to change road position, lane and/or stop

Sadly the Highway Code means heehaw and is a guideline only, refer to the actual Road Traffic Act and excerts

**benwalters82** · 20th May 2012, 17:59

Any bus cctv?

**alcutler** · 20th May 2012, 18:06

Sorry post DP'd

**Ben Chiles** · 20th May 2012, 18:13

From how you have described it, it is clearly her fault at the end of the day. Proving it is another matter altogether.

You have straddled the two lanes for a tight right turn, which i presume this turn would not be achievable in just the one lane. the other vehicle has somehow found a bit of space to push the nose of her vehicle inside the bus, whilst it was turning, clearly indicating as to the direction you wanted the bus to travel.

In all honesty, i wouldn't worry yourself to much about it, regardless of fault at the end of the day it is still an accident.

**chris1804** · 20th May 2012, 19:08

Well tbh I told the third party to to follow me off the round about because if I started takin pics somebody would of been killed plus I had passengers on the bus so there safety came first to get them away from further danger, I took about 15 pics withs the company camera they gave use in cases like this, but the pics are when we were in a safe place. I know I was in the right but its there witnesses that concern me I got back on the bus to inform passenger and asked for 2 witnesses and my witnesses told me the third party witnesses are coming up with a story, her husband who attended the scene after I hurd him say you always let the bus go first and give it plenty of room, I'm just peed off its my first RTA since I passed my test 8 years ago

**lee gsi** · 20th May 2012, 20:01

Its hard to imagine what your saying.

Post up a link to the roundabout on google maps.

If your turning right and in the right hand lane on the roundabout there isnt any more lanes are there unless you were not in that lane fully and came across into that lane and hit the car.