The NHVR has announced it is leading a nationwide bus safety operation to improve safety standards and reduce risks on Australian roads, following 84 lives lost in bus crashes in the past five years.
NHVR COO Paul Salvati said Operation Solstice will run for several weeks and is being conducted in response to a tragic rise in the number of lives lost in crashes involving buses across the country.
“The nation has witnessed an alarming number of fatal bus incidents over the past five years, which have had devastating impacts on families and communities,” Salvati said.
“Tragically, from January 2020 to December 2024, there were 71 fatal crashes, and 84 lives lost in crashes involving a bus – this is deeply concerning, and it’s imperative that we do everything we can to prevent further loss of life on our roads.
“The NHVR is partnering with police across most states, as we often do, to conduct Operation Solstice and safeguard bus passengers, drivers and other road users.
“This operation is more than just enforcement; it’s about making sure that everyone who boards a bus – whether it’s for work, school or leisure – returns home safely.”
Salvati said New South Wales and Queensland have experienced the highest number of bus crashes in the past 5 years, with 40 and 21 lives lost respectively.
“Buses carry precious cargo – they can carry up to 50 people – with so many of us relying on them every day to get to our destination,” he said.
“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and no family or friend should ever have to experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one this way.
“That’s why every NHVR Safety and Compliance Officer (SCO) will be involved in this operation, working alongside police to ensure safety is never compromised.”
QPS Inspector Gareth Bosley, Road Policing Group, said “Given the vital role that buses play in our transport network, it is essential that the community can have confidence in their safety.
“This is why the Queensland Police Service is working with our road safety partners to ensure the safety of bus passengers, drivers, other road users and the broader community, so that we can have confidence in our bus networks.”
Operation Solstice will see officers conduct roadside inspections on buses, checking for safety issues, ensuring vehicles are maintained and mechanically safe, and making certain drivers are fit to drive and are complying with fatigue laws.
“NHVR SCOs will focus their efforts on specific locations across the country that we have been able to pinpoint as high risk, with the aim of preventing any potential bus-related incidents,” Mr Salvati explained.
“Unfortunately, some bus operators and their drivers may not understand or be aware of their safety obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, especially relating to fatigue.
“An issue we are seeing is split shift drivers remaining at the yard instead of travelling home to have a proper rest break, particularly in urban areas.
“I would like to remind drivers that they are required to have adequate rest between shifts by law, and failing to do so can disrupt their ability to fully recharge between shifts and ensure they are fit to drive.
“Operation Solstice is a crucial step towards holding both operators and their drivers accountable, ensuring they are meeting critical safety obligations that are designed to keep all road users safe.”
Bus drivers should inspect their vehicle both prior to departure and at the conclusion of their shift to ensure it’s mechanically safe.
“Cabin and occupant safety is also crucial – this includes making sure seat belts are functioning, seat bases are secured correctly, and loose items are secured while the vehicle is moving,” Mr Salvati reiterated.
“The NHVR is committed to ensuring the families affected by the recent tragic bus crashes can see that tangible steps are being taken to ensure the highest safety standards are being upheld by the entirety of industry.”
Motorists are also reminded that by law, they must not overtake or pass a bus with flashing lights at more than 40km/h.
The NHVR launched the bus iteration of the We All Need Space road safety campaign in April 2024, to educate motorists on how they can drive safely around buses.
If you see something related to heavy vehicle safety that endangers the welfare of yourself or other road users, please contact the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line on 1800 931 785.
