In what circumstances can a bus driver be held responsible for the actions of his passengers?

Saskatchewan, Canada


The following excerpt is from Smith v. Canadian Pacific Railway Company, 1922 CanLII 84 (SK CA):

In The “Bernina” Case, Lord Watson, at p. 75 (57 L.J. Adm.) said: I am of opinion that there is no relation constituted between the driver of an omnibus and its ordinary passengers which can justify the inference that they are identified, to any extent whatever, with his negligence. He is the servant of the owner, not their servant; he does not look to them for orders, and they have no right to interfere with his conduct of the vehicle, except, perhaps, the right of remonstrance when he is doing, or threatens to do, something that is wrong, and inconsistent with their safety. Practically they have no greater measure of control over his actions than the passenger in a railway train has over the conduct of the engine-driver. I am, therefore, unable to assent to the principle upon which the case of Thorogood v. Bryan, 8 C.B. 115, 18 L.J.C.P. 336, rests. In my opinion, an ordinary passenger by an omnibus or by a ship is not affected, either in a question with contributory wrongdoers or with innocent third parties, by the negligence, in one case, of the driver, and, in the other, of the master and crew by whom the ship is navigated, unless he actually assumes control over their actions, and thereby occasions mischief. In that case he must, of course, be responsible for the consequences of his interference.

If the passenger has “no right to interfere” and “practically no control,” there does not seem to be any legal obligation on his part to keep a look-out. No man is bound either for the establishment of his own claims or to avoid claims of third persons against him to use special precaution against merely possible want of care or skill on the part of other persons who are not his servants or under his authority or control [Pollock, Law of Torts, 11th ed., 481; Daniel v. Metropolitan Ry. Co. (1871) L.R. 5 H.L. 45, 40 L.J.CP. 121.]

Other Questions


Can a plaintiff in a personal injury action commence a second action for damages arising out of the same circumstances? (Saskatchewan, Canada)
In what circumstances will a driver of a high gear truck see another driver? (Saskatchewan, Canada)
In what circumstances will a sheriff be held liable in a civil action for failing to properly supervise the actions of a sheriff? (Saskatchewan, Canada)
Can a person be added as a party in a personal injury action where the outcome of the action directly affects him? (Saskatchewan, Canada)
In what circumstances will the police be able to stop and question the driver of a car in front of the vehicle after the vehicle has been stopped by the police? (Saskatchewan, Canada)
What is the limitation period for an amendment to an action raising a new cause of action? (Saskatchewan, Canada)
What is the test for a prima facie cause of action in a personal injury action? (Saskatchewan, Canada)
In what circumstances will a libel action be successful? (Saskatchewan, Canada)
Does a common law procedure act, 1854, ch. 125, which enacted that a plaintiff is not entitled to any costs in an action commenced after the action was commenced? (Saskatchewan, Canada)
In what circumstances will a defendant be found liable in a trespass action? (Saskatchewan, Canada)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.