Head on with a bus!!! Gulp!

[Angelfishsolo]

[quote name='The Horse's Mouth' timestamp='1309948410' post='1737177']
There is one of the chicane thingys on Poplar High Street. But fortunately because it forms part of the Cycle Super Highway CS3 they have kindly put a cycle lane either side to enable us to get passed.

Saying that, the other day a WhiteVan man who decided he wasnt going to give way to the vehicle coming in the opposite direction despite the fact they had priority decided to jump on to said cycle lane to squeeze passed the oncoming vehicle. Cutting me up in the process.

Luckily I had been following this particular white van for a while and had realised he was a total plonker so was already on my guard and ready to take evasive action.
[/quote]

Would love to see a WVM go head to head with one of these

 

[BSRU]

In my recent incident with a bus, the bus company reviewed the buses on board video footage to verify my report. Luckily, I was able to report it straight away within 20 minutes of the incident and received my first email from the company 15 minutes later.

That said, if they had "deleted" it I still had my own footage.

 

[Chromatic]

If the driver can tamper with the camera then there is a serious design flaw. Or do you mean the bus company might do something?

I didn't really think that deeply about it, I was just being a tad cynical, but I do vaguely recall reading, somewhere in this place if I remember correctly, that a similar scenario, where such footage should have been available but wasn't, for some reason or another, has actually happened.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I didn't really think that deeply about it, I was just being a tad cynical, but I do vaguely recall reading, somewhere in this place if I remember correctly, that a similar scenario, where such footage should have been available but wasn't, for some reason or another, has actually happened.

That is quite possible. I'm sure there will be some companies who will watch out for their employees by accidentally deleting pertinent video footage.

 

[SquareDaff]

If they have the footage he's on track for a disciplinary. It was between "pulling the limbs in and partially closing the nearest eye" and "I'm screwed" on the cycling closeness gauge!

 

[Amanda P]

1. I have no proof other than my word. I will be fitting a camera shortly so will have video evidence of future incidents although I hope there are none.

The fact that you're complaining should be enough. Why would you make it up? In any case, as others have said, First will have their own video of the event which will verify what you say.

(I think you might be surprised how often the police make enquiries about an offence on the basis of nothing but the victim's word. When confronted with the victim's allegations, the perpetrator often confesses, or reveals enough information that it becomes abundantly clear that the victim's story is true).

2. I'm giving First the chance to sort things "in house". Everyone deserves a chance to correct their attitiude.

That's very forgiving of you. Take the bus out of the equation for a minute.

If this driver had come straight at you with some other weapon - say a running chainsaw, or a loaded shotgun - would you still be so understanding? This guy was in charge of a very lethal device, and he used it, effectively, as a weapon. If someone did that with a shotgun, we'd make sure he never, ever had access to one ever again. But it seems you're quite happy for him to remain in charge of an equally lethal vehicle.

You must do as you think fit. But to me, this event has demonstrated that this driver is not fit to be in charge of a bus. It would seem entirely appropriate to me for him to be prevented from driving one again until he has demonstrated that he is fit - perhaps by passing his test again.

 

[SquareDaff]

That's very forgiving of you. Take the bus out of the equation for a minute.

If this driver had come straight at you with some other weapon - say a running chainsaw, or a loaded shotgun - would you still be so understanding? This guy was in charge of a very lethal device, and he used it, effectively, as a weapon. If someone did that with a shotgun, we'd make sure he never, ever had access to one ever again. But it seems you're quite happy for him to remain in charge of an equally lethal vehicle.

You must do as you think fit. But to me, this event has demonstrated that this driver is not fit to be in charge of a bus. It would seem entirely appropriate to me for him to be prevented from driving one again until he has demonstrated that he is fit - perhaps by passing his test again.

I'm just aware that we all (cyclists and motorists) have off days and "idiot" moments. Who am I to say if this guy drives like this all the time or if he was just having a "hothead" moment. His employer should know this.

 

[ufkacbln]

1. I have no proof other than my word. I will be fitting a camera shortly so will have video evidence of future incidents although I hope there are none.
2. I'm giving First the chance to sort things "in house". Everyone deserves a chance to correct their attitiude.

Keep the camera quiet, and never use the video in the first instance.

I have found that form experience the driver will lie about the event, you can then introduce the video.

Most managers get really upset about being lied to and having been made to look a fool when they have to apologise for their previous letter bieng incorrect.

 

[slowmotion]

I go through a few of those "priority" width restriction things on my commute. I automatically assume that any on-coming driver is going to ignore the fact that I may have priority. It's just a matter of self-preservation.

 

[SquareDaff]

Quick update on this: Got a letter yesterday from the bus company apologising for the conduct of the driver and that they were instigating disciplinary proceedings against him. It also stated they were stressing the importance of giving way at these type of junctions to all drivers.

Whilst I'm a little sceptical I suppose at least they wrote back. They weren't forced to do that. If they've actually done what they've said in the letter it'll be interesting to see if it has any effect.

 

[HLaB]

Ive never had a bus do that fortunately, the worst I've had is a car of neds not wanting to give way at the giveway line as I shot down the hill near 30mph in the primary. The primary didn't deter them from pulling out onto my side of the road but it did give me the get out space.

 

[jonny jeez]

Keep the camera quiet, and never use the video in the first instance.

I have found that form experience the driver will lie about the event, you can then introduce the video.

Most managers get really upset about being lied to and having been made to look a fool when they have to apologise for their previous letter bieng incorrect.

That is Excellent advice!!

 

[davefb]

Quick update on this: Got a letter yesterday from the bus company apologising for the conduct of the driver and that they were instigating disciplinary proceedings against him. It also stated they were stressing the importance of giving way at these type of junctions to all drivers.

Whilst I'm a little sceptical I suppose at least they wrote back. They weren't forced to do that. If they've actually done what they've said in the letter it'll be interesting to see if it has any effect.

once you've done a paper trail the main issue is that if this ever happened again and it wasnt an accident avoided, they would be in deep legal trouble surely ??

ie, if you don't know about something, you can't do anything about it...

but if you know theres a problem, but do nothing, you are far more liable...


thats my understanding anyway

 

[Cubist]

Quick update on this: Got a letter yesterday from the bus company apologising for the conduct of the driver and that they were instigating disciplinary proceedings against him. It also stated they were stressing the importance of giving way at these type of junctions to all drivers.

Whilst I'm a little sceptical I suppose at least they wrote back. They weren't forced to do that. If they've actually done what they've said in the letter it'll be interesting to see if it has any effect.

Why be sceptical? The company will have a Customer Service/Quality of Service mission like any other. Lying to you as the result of a complaint in writing will not exactly do anybody any favours. If they say they will be instigating disciplinary action against the driver, you can be certain that somewhere on the scale from "management advice " to retraining and misconduct measures will have been taken against him. You got a result. Enjoy it!