Bus passengers shaken up as driver slams on brakes

Two BC Transit passengers received minor injuries Friday morning when the bus on which they were riding stopped suddenly to avoid a collision with an SUV.

Kelowna RCMP responded to a report of a collision involving a BC Transit bus and a Mercedes SUV on Pandosy Street near Royal Avenue at 10:51 a.m.

The northbound bus was merging onto the road from a stop when the driver of the Mercedes passed and pulled in front of the bus using the left-turn lane of the road, said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey in a news release.

“The transit driver was forced to brake suddenly, which likely helped to avoid a more serious collision with the SUV,” he said.

The crash caused minor damage to the SUV, while the bus appeared undamaged.

Several passengers on board the bus were reportedly thrown forward following the sudden deceleration, said O’Donaghey.

“At least one passenger was thrown from her seat and landed on the floor,” he said.

She was assessed and was provided minor treatment at the scene.

“It is also believed that another passenger, who had been standing on board at the time, struck a pole,” said O’Donaghey. “He sustained what are believed to be minor, non-life-threatening injuries and sought out medical attention at the nearby hospital.”

The driver of the Mercedes, a woman in her 40s, was issued a ticket for unsafe lane changing.

“RCMP would like to remind motorists lefthand turn lanes should not be utilized for passing other vehicles,” said O’Donaghey.

“Drivers are also encouraged to pay extra attention when transit buses are merging both in and out of the flow of traffic. Once the transit vehicle is engaged in the lane of travel, it’s up to traffic to provide the right of way.”