Graham Stanley, a school bus driver, has testified in a Victorian County Court hearing regarding a crash that severely injured seven children. The incident occurred on May 16, 2023, when truck driver Jamie Gleeson allegedly collided with the bus while failing to maintain a safe distance or pay adequate attention. Gleeson, 51, denies the charges of dangerous driving against him.
During his testimony, Stanley recalled activating the bus’s retarder system by tapping the brake pedal approximately 100 metres before the crash, which took place 900 metres from Exford Primary School, located west of Melbourne. However, under cross-examination, Stanley conceded that he could not accurately pinpoint when he began to decelerate.
In his statement, Stanley asserted he had a distinct memory of applying the brakes but found it challenging to specify the exact location, likening it to a point along Exford Road with a right-turn lane about 200 metres prior to the collision. Notably, this was the first time he disclosed to the police, prosecutors, or court that he had utilised the retarder system ahead of the crash, explaining that it is engaged via a switch on the bus dashboard and assists in smoother deceleration.
He typically activates the retarder during driving and clarified that he had not previously mentioned it in discussions as he was only queried about the brake application. He defended his decision to elaborate, stating that his braking involved more than a single action.
The defence barrister, James Anderson, suggested that Stanley might be misremembering his actions. In response, Stanley firmly stated that he did indeed use the retarder system before the crash. In contrast, Gleeson reported that he didn’t notice the bus’s brake lights or indicators until moments before the impact, perceiving that the bus hadn’t signalled a turn. The collision resulted in the bus spinning and rolling onto its side, with the truck skidding approximately 25 metres before hitting the bus at a speed of 67 km/h.
Post-accident investigations revealed that Gleeson’s truck had faulty brakes, although he was unaware of these issues and the vehicle had undergone regular maintenance. At the time of the crash, there was no sign of alcohol or drug use, nor was there any evidence of speeding or mobile phone use contributing to the incident.
The trial continues as the court examines the circumstances surrounding this serious crash and the implications for all parties involved.