Just after 3:00am on 13 November 2022, a public bus carrying passengers through Belmont North crashed as the result of dangerous driving.
Vladan Wally Talevski, the bus driver, experienced “micro sleeps” during the journey — a state where a person loses consciousness momentarily. CCTV footage from the bus showed Talevski exhibiting multiple signs of severe fatigue, including yawning, rubbing his face, and even removing his glasses for extended periods.
Despite these clear warnings of fatigue, Talevski continued on his route until disaster struck. Unable to navigate a bend on Wommara Avenue, the bus collided with a cement barrier, became airborne, and rolled heavily onto its side, coming to rest in a ditch. This horrific crash resulted in serious injuries to several passengers, with one individual suffering a spinal cord injury leading to paraplegia.
The Repercussions
In the wake of the accident, Talevski faced criminal charges. He pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and three counts of cause bodily harm by wilful neglect, acknowledging his state of drowsiness and its role in the bus accident. This case underscores the importance of managing driver fatigue, particularly in circumstances where drivers are paid to drive/operate heavy vehicles/machinery overnight and/or for lengthy periods without proper breaks.
A Legal Perspective on Driver Fatigue
From a legal standpoint, this incident highlights the stringent responsibilities that drivers and their employers have to ensure safety on the roads. It serves as a stark reminder that fatigue is as dangerous as any other form of impairment, necessitating strict personal responsibility as well as enforcement of workplace and safety regulations. For victims/survivors, the path to recovery — and the pursuit of fair compensation — can be prohibitively complex and stressful.
At The Law Office of Conrad Curry, we are dedicated to supporting victims/survivors with compassionate and comprehensive legal advice and services. Contact us at (02) 4050 0330 for a free consultation.
Let us focus on your legal rights and entitlements, so that you can focus on your recovery.
DISCLAIMER
This article reflects the current law at the time of publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The actual decisions in each case are summarised for general understanding. For specific legal guidance in relation to your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional.
