Introduction
A total of eight pedestrians were killed in 13 fatal bus accidents across Taipei and New Taipei from 2019 to 2023, a new report from local authorities has revealed. The accidents were primarily caused by city bus drivers failing to yield at pedestrian crossings or not adhering to traffic regulations. These findings shed light on the ongoing safety concerns surrounding Taiwan’s urban public transport system, which has been criticized for its frequent pedestrian accidents.
Traffic Accident Statistics in Taipei
According to statistics released by the Taipei City Public Transportation Office, from 2019 to 2023, there were 1,259 traffic accidents involving city buses in Taipei. These incidents resulted in eight fatalities and 601 injuries.
- In 2023, the city recorded 345 bus-related traffic accidents, making up nearly 30% of the total accidents during the five-year period.
- 2020 saw the highest number of fatalities and injuries, with four deaths and 145 injuries.
Of the eight fatalities, five were pedestrians, and investigations determined that these deaths were mainly due to bus drivers failing to yield or not noticing vehicles ahead of them, resulting in tragic accidents.
Three other pedestrian deaths occurred because bus drivers either failed to make proper turns or braked too abruptly.
Fatal Bus Accidents in New Taipei
In New Taipei, another major urban area in Taiwan, 1,568 traffic accidents involving city buses occurred between 2019 and 2023. These incidents left five people dead, including three pedestrians, and 619 people injured.
- 2023 marked the worst year in terms of fatalities and injuries in New Taipei, with three deaths and 190 injuries.
- The majority of these fatalities were pedestrians who were hit by buses that were either speeding while crossing pedestrian crossings or failed to yield.
Table: Summary of Fatal Bus Accidents in Greater Taipei (2019-2023)
| Location | Accidents (2019-2023) | Pedestrian Fatalities | Other Fatalities | Injuries | Notable Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei City | 1,259 | 5 | 3 | 601 | 2020: 4 deaths, 145 injuries |
| New Taipei | 1,568 | 3 | 2 | 619 | 2023: 3 deaths, 190 injuries |
| Total (Greater Taipei) | 2,827 | 8 | 5 | 1,220 | – |
Pedestrian Safety in Taiwan’s Urban Transport System
These findings come at a time when public safety concerns regarding Taiwan’s public transportation system have been raised. The recent accident, where a female pedestrian was killed after being trapped under a bus during a collision in downtown Taipei, has drawn widespread attention. In that incident, 15 people were injured, including eight Thai tourists, further amplifying the public’s concern about pedestrian safety.
Despite ongoing discussions about improving pedestrian infrastructure and vehicle regulations, Taiwan has been dubbed a “living hell for pedestrians” by international media due to the frequency of traffic-related fatalities involving pedestrians.
Factors Contributing to Fatal Bus Accidents
The data points to a range of factors contributing to these tragic accidents:
- Failure to Yield: In many cases, bus drivers failed to yield to pedestrians at crossings, a critical issue considering Taiwan’s high pedestrian traffic.
- Speeding and Improper Turns: Buses were found to be speeding, especially when crossing pedestrian crossings, and making improper turns, which resulted in fatal accidents.
- Lack of Awareness: In certain cases, drivers failed to notice vehicles or pedestrians ahead of them, leading to avoidable collisions.
Call for Stricter Safety Measures
In response to these alarming figures, advocacy groups have once again called for stricter safety regulations and better training for bus drivers. Some suggestions include:
- Enhanced pedestrian safety laws, such as lowering speed limits around crossings.
- More rigorous driver evaluations before certification, focusing on safety awareness and response times.
- Increased enforcement of traffic regulations, especially around high pedestrian areas.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main cause of pedestrian deaths involving buses in Taipei and New Taipei?
The primary cause is drivers failing to yield at pedestrian crossings or not stopping properly for pedestrians, resulting in accidents. Some incidents also involve speeding or braking too hard.
2. How many pedestrian deaths occurred in bus accidents from 2019 to 2023?
A total of eight pedestrian fatalities were recorded in 13 fatal bus accidents over the five-year period in Taipei and New Taipei.
3. What happened in the most recent deadly bus accident in Taipei?
A female pedestrian was killed after being trapped under one of two buses that collided in downtown Taipei, injuring 15 other people, including eight tourists from Thailand.
4. How does this impact Taiwan’s reputation for pedestrian safety?
Taiwan has been criticized by international media as a “living hell for pedestrians” due to frequent incidents of pedestrian fatalities in bus accidents and other traffic-related issues.
5. What steps are being taken to improve safety on Taiwan’s public transport system?
Calls for stricter safety measures include better bus driver training, lower speed limits around pedestrian crossings, and more rigorous enforcement of traffic regulations.
Conclusion
The alarming statistics on pedestrian fatalities in bus accidents across Greater Taipei highlight a critical safety issue that needs to be urgently addressed. With public concern growing, local authorities and advocacy groups are calling for immediate action to ensure the safety of pedestrians and improve traffic management in Taiwan’s urban areas. The recent tragic incident in Taipei further underscores the need for swift measures to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
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