Why park brakes matter: preventing bus rollaways

Bus rollaways, or uncontrolled movement of buses, can lead to tragic outcomes, including severe injuries, fatalities, and substantial property damage. 

This Knowledge Article for bus drivers on ‘Why park brakes matter: preventing bus rollaways’ addresses a potential safety opportunity identified through industry consultation. It aims to strengthen bus drivers’ understanding of the key functions of park brakes versus door interlock brakes. The article provides crucial safety information to enhance awareness of the roles and limitations of door interlock systems and park brakes, highlighting why park brakes are an essential risk control, even when door interlock brakes are engaged. 

There are multiple safety alerts and guidelines emphasising the importance of properly applying park brakes and not relying on door interlock brakes to secure the bus. Yet, rollaways continue to occur with troubling frequency. In the first half of 2024 alone, we received notifications of 15 bus rollaways in NSW, with over 90% occurring due to park brakes either not being applied or not being applied correctly.