The actions of the driver of the bus have been praised after he averted a much more serious incident.

Ararat Traffic Management Unit's Senior Constable Silas Stephens said that given the choice of hitting a ute, a trailer which disengaged from the ute, or a stand of gum trees, the driver said he chose the trailer, which he hit head on near Cathcart on Tuesday.

The accident occurred at around 3.10pm when the V/Line bus (operated by Christian's Bus Company) was travelling towards Moyston just past the Better Route Road.

A utility, driven by a Moyston man in his late 70s, was travelling towards him and it is believed the trailer he was towing began to disengage from the ute.

The trailer fishtailed for a short distance before it is believed it completely disengaged from the ute, crossing the road and hitting the bus head on, smashing the windscreen on the passenger side and causing extensive damage to the front and side of the bus.

Ten passengers were on the bus at the time, but neither the bus driver, passengers or driver of the ute were seriously injured.

The bus was towed by a heavy haulage tow truck from the scene, which was attended by four police units and Ambulance Victoria.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

The second accident almost involved police themselves.

S/C Stephens said he was in a police car travelling back to Ararat, after completing investigations following the bus crash.

He said they were rounding a corner near Cathcart when a car travelling fast in a westerly direction towards them braked and lost control, running off the road and hitting a tree.

"He came close to hitting our car,'' S/C Stephens said.

The 18 year old from Ararat was taken to hospital with injuries and his car was a `write off'.

Investigations into this accident are also continuing.