Article: Calls for compulsory seatbelts on buses after death

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Calls for compulsory seatbelts on buses after death

Calls for compulsory seatbelts on buses after death
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Anna Caldwell and Sophie Elsworth

March 04, 2009 11:00pm

A VETERAN bus driver was killed and 12 others were injured in a Sunshine Coast smash that has prompted calls for compulsory seatbelts on buses.

Bus driver Bruce Kent, described as "one of the best in the business", was killed when a four-wheel-drive veered on to the wrong side of the Nambour Connection Rd at Kulangoor about 11am, and collided with a bus operated by Sunbus.

On behalf of Sunbus, Transit Australia Group spokeswoman Megan Harkin said Mr Kent "constantly had a smile on his face".

"He was one of our best drivers, one of our most popular drivers, he was popular with passengers and he was popular with all of his colleagues," she said.

The 26-year-old driver of the 4WD was left in a critical condition and another 11 people were injured in the smash, including one woman who was pinned behind the bus driver's seat.

Yesterday Transport Workers Union state secretary Hughie Williams described Mr Kent ,a bus driver for 20 years, as one of the state's best.

"This is an utter tragedy to see one of our hard-working men lose his life on the job," Mr Williams said.

"It is a devastating day for the union and it is a devastating day for his family."

Mr Williams said the crash was a wake-up message that compulsory seatbelts were a necessary step to safeguard the lives of commuters.

"This has been an ongoing battle we've had for years," Mr WIlliams said.

"Having seatbelts wouldn't have prevented this crash but it could have prevented a number of the injuries."

Inspector Darryl White of Sunshine Coast District police said "there was no explanation" for the horrific crash that could have claimed the lives of many more people who were on board the bus.

"It's a straight stretch of road with clear vision and investigations are ongoing in respect to the cause of the accident," Insp White said.

It is the ninth death on Sunshine Coast roads this year.