What is it with bus drivers?

One of the basic rules of driving is “MSM”. It stands for “Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre”. It is a basic system or sequence used by drivers when approaching a hazard or when changing speed or direction. It’s simple, basic, keeps us safe, and we all use it all the time . . . . . unless, that is, you are a bus driver!

Bus drivers seem to do things differently. Anyone who regularly drives in a town or city will know that normal rules don’t apply to bus drivers.

My experience, yesterday, whilst driving through Dunfermline, is a prime example.

I came up behind a bus stopped at the side of the road letting people on and off, left indicator flashing. So, I moved out to go past it. But, as so often happens with buses, I was only half way past when suddenly on went its right indicator and the bus started moving off – its driver completely unconcerned that I was alongside it and that by setting off he forced me to take evasive action and to end up completely over on the wrong side of the road.

When I was taught to drive my instructor insisted that when I set off from the side of the road I used my mirrors and checked my blind spot to make sure no one was there before I set off. The rule for me was MSM – Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre.

Clearly bus drivers are taught a different system! it’s a reversal of the system the rest of us are taught: “MSM” – Manoeuvre, Signal, Mirror!