Recently in Manchester Bridge strikes has been something that has been a massive thing with 2 being a day after each other. One completely destroying a Bee Network bus and the other damaging the roof of a training bus.
This is something that might put some peoples backs up but we believe there is no reason that is good enough for hitting a low bridge.
The first one we are going to talk about is the one that happen in Salford area near to the Trafford center.
I also include the video of this. Some viewers may find it destressing however.
This was a massive impact and a totally shocking video which shows how easy and the speed the bus hit the bridge at.
This bus was on a 100 service and turned off its route. Reading comments etc it seems rather alarming the amount of people that believe there is a good reason for this to happen like the driver forgot they was driving a double decker bus. The bridge is on a single decker route however the way the bus approached this bridge they turned off route and went though many signs to warn of the low bridge and the height of the bridge. We believe there is no good reason and a fully professional driver would be able to simply look at the bridge and go I do NOT fit. As a driver myself it is a habit even when on route to check the height of any labeled bridge with the height that is in the cab of the bus.
As we do not drive for the bee Network it is unclear to us if there is any Low bridge warning systems fitted now but we was told that if enabled the ticketer system does have a low bridge system. Greenroad also does have a way if fitted. As well as a few other external systems that can detect and warn of a low bridge.
Driving for a coach company a few years ago they had an ex-london bus with this system and I will say it did sometimes false trigger for low branches etc but it would work.
Above is the bridge in question, As you can see turning into this road there is a height bar and a height warning on either side of the road. From this distance it is clear however the a double decker would not fit. The 100 route goes across this junction right to Left and the 66 from back to under the bridge. There is no service that turns at this junction.
Even without the chains hanging and marker boards which have been gone for a while from another bridge strike there is enough warning and visual cues to say maybe I should check this or I don’t fit.
As mentioned above this bus was in service and there really is no good reason or excuse to why you have a bridge strike. As a driver you should always be aware of the vehicle you are driving and more so if you swap from single to double decker’s. Manchester double decker fleet are all around the same height.
While I was driving for the big companies there was many warning, There was the height in the cab. On running boards it was printed at the top in big font “LOW BRIDGE ON OR NEAR ROUTE” When on loan to a mix depot it was clear on the boards the type of vehicles that could be on that running board for example E400 or E200 E300 Solo and incase that was lost on you “Single decker vehicle Only” was printed.
Many out there try and put some blame on the bus company, However as a driver you are responsible for the vehicle and ensuing the safety of the vehicle on the road. You have a right as a driver to refuse to take a vehicle. It is very important that when given the work you do double check that the vehicle you are taking out is suitable for the route. As mistake do happen but once you have taken that vehicle it is your responsibility if you don’t spot a mistake before you take it out and your doing the route and you come to a low bridge it’s your responsibility to STOP and contact control with “I have encountered a Low bridge and unable to proceed” They will give you probably a ticking off for taking it but its far better than going under the bridge. They will aid you sorting the problem, Yes the passengers would be inconvenienced but far better than injured.
It is so important to do the checks and keep a good alertness to the route even if you do the route every single day, Every time you go out the day is different. The above goes for when an emergency diversion is put in place keep extra alert as an office will put a route in place with the information they have but again they make mistakes too but YOU are in control of the vehicle and the traffic commissioner will not accept “I hit the bridge because the depot put me on diversion and said ill fit” they will simply say you are in control and by not seeing or carrying on you are driving without due care and attention. That is the lesser charge. The above incident the driver could be looking at causing serious injury by dangerous driving or even worse it could be causing death by dangerous driving.
Doing something like this can really change your life and you can expect you won’t be driving a bus after it.
Then moving forward something that is even more alarming is the following day a training bus from Metroline hits a bridge.
What is alarming about this is that Metroline confirmed it was being driven by a trainee driver meaning a driving instructor was on board and should of been supervising the driver. So 2 people didn’t check the bridge signs and the one in the bus.
The fact that this is a training bus and a day after a major one makes you really question the level of drivers that are currently out there on the road, Ill make it clear we are not saying all, We know many drivers that are very nice and very professional and drive in a safe manner, Some of the ones we know have come across low bridges on a diversion or running out of service but they have stopped and called it in. Where inspectors were sent to aid the bus to reverse and get out of the situation without a problem, which is how it is suppose to be.
A lot more needs to be done in general to help stop bridge strikes and Salford decided putting more paint and warning up was a good idea. However if drivers can’t see the current markings there is a good chance the extra paint and warning will be lost of them as well.
As the Bee Network is getting a lot of new vehicles it is surprising that Low Bridge detection the one that you can’t miss “STOP STOP LOW BRIDGE AHEAD” Message that is shouted into the cab should be fitted as standard. However the last line of defense no matter what is that human behind the wheel. So more awareness needs to be there and the area’s drivers are operating in needs to be made to be more knowledge.
Have you got any ideas on how bridges strikes can be limited why not drop into our discord and have a chat . https://discord.gg/vmPUfJbm