Road Safety Group Demands Reforms After Fatal Bus Collision in Taipei
A Taiwan road safety advocacy group is urging the government to overhaul the country’s driver licensing and retraining system following a fatal bus accident in Taipei that left one pedestrian dead and 15 others injured. The Taiwan Vision Zero Alliance, a group dedicated to reducing traffic-related fatalities, has called for more stringent regulations for bus drivers and a comprehensive review of current practices aimed at improving road safety.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday in Zhongzheng District, Taipei, when a Route 213 city bus, driven by a 23-year-old woman surnamed Hsieh, rear-ended a Route 49 city bus that had stopped at an intersection to allow pedestrians to cross the road. The collision caused the first bus to lurch forward, hitting and fatally injuring a 50-year-old pedestrian.
Current Licensing System and Road Safety Concerns
“Easiest Licenses in the World”
The Taiwan Vision Zero Alliance criticized Taiwan’s current driver licensing system, stating that the country’s driver’s licenses are among the easiest to obtain globally. According to the group, this lack of rigorous requirements, coupled with the absence of a mandatory retraining system, is contributing to a rise in traffic accidents and pedestrian fatalities.
The alliance pointed out that individuals who have held a standard car driver’s license for just two years are eligible to take a commercial bus driver’s test, a qualification they argue does not guarantee sufficient experience or training for the demands of driving a large vehicle in high-traffic areas.
The group claims that this leads to an increased risk of accidents involving inexperienced bus drivers, especially in dense urban environments like Taipei, where the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians is frequent and intense.
Concerns Over Outdated Driving Exams
In a report submitted earlier to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the alliance highlighted several weaknesses in the current driver licensing and examination system. The report called attention to:
- Outdated driving exams that do not accurately assess a driver’s ability to handle real-world driving conditions.
- The conflict of interest where driving instructors who teach students also serve as examiners for licensing, which may impact the quality of training.
These issues, the group claims, contribute to a mismatch between the skills tested during the licensing process and the demands of actual road conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Fatal Bus Collision and Calls for Action
Accident Details and Fatalities
The deadly accident occurred just hours before the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a global event dedicated to honoring those who have lost their lives in traffic accidents. The fatal crash took place when the Route 213 city bus, driven by Hsieh, rear-ended a stationary Route 49 city bus at an intersection in Zhongzheng District, causing the latter to move forward and strike the pedestrian.
The pedestrian, a 50-year-old woman, was tragically killed in the collision, and 15 others, including the driver of the Route 49 bus and 14 passengers, sustained minor injuries. The accident has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the Taipei City Government’s traffic safety measures, especially in light of the longstanding “pointing and calling” protocol.
“Pointing and Calling” Safety Protocol Criticized
The “pointing and calling” safety protocol, which requires bus drivers to stop and perform visual checks at intersections, was highlighted by the group as a measure that is inconsistently followed. While the policy mandates that drivers verbally confirm the absence of pedestrians and visually check in multiple directions before making a right turn, the group believes that individual drivers may not be adhering to the protocol, which could be contributing to preventable accidents.
The group also raised concerns about the working conditions of bus drivers, citing long shifts, low wages, and driver fatigue as additional factors that can impair a driver’s ability to perform safety protocols correctly.
Recommendations for Bus Operator and Government Action
Improving Driver Training and Management
In light of this tragedy, the Taiwan Vision Zero Alliance is calling for a comprehensive review of the current driver training and management systems. Specifically, they have recommended that:
- Bus operators implement stricter driver screening processes to ensure only highly qualified individuals are hired.
- Government authorities enforce better compliance with the “pointing and calling” safety measures at intersections.
- Bus companies and local governments work together to improve working conditions for bus drivers, including addressing issues related to driver fatigue and low wages.
The alliance also called for more effective supervision by the government, particularly in resource-rich Taipei City, to ensure that public transport operators are held accountable for maintaining road safety.
Table: Key Details of the Fatal Bus Collision
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Sunday, just hours before World Day of Remembrance |
| Location | Zhongzheng District, Taipei |
| Involved Buses | Route 213 and Route 49 city buses |
| Fatalities | 50-year-old pedestrian killed |
| Injuries | 15 individuals, including the Route 49 bus driver and passengers |
| Cause of Incident | Rear-end collision, possible failure to follow safety protocols |
| Current Licensing Concerns | Easy licensing process, lack of mandatory retraining |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What led to the fatal bus collision in Taipei?
The collision occurred when a Route 213 city bus rear-ended a Route 49 city bus that had stopped at an intersection. The force of the collision caused the second bus to hit and kill a pedestrian.
Q2: What is the “pointing and calling” safety protocol?
The “pointing and calling” protocol requires bus drivers to stop at intersections, visually check for pedestrians in all directions, and verbally confirm that the area is clear before proceeding. The safety group claims this practice is not always followed.
Q3: What are the concerns regarding Taiwan’s bus driver licensing?
The Taiwan Vision Zero Alliance has criticized the current licensing system for being too lenient, allowing individuals with just two years of car driving experience to become bus drivers without sufficient training in real-world conditions.
Q4: How does the Taiwan Vision Zero Alliance suggest improving safety?
The alliance advocates for stricter licensing and retraining requirements, better management of bus drivers, and improvements in working conditions to reduce driver fatigue and enhance overall safety.
Q5: What role does fatigue play in bus accidents?
The alliance suggests that long shifts and low wages contribute to driver fatigue, which may impair drivers’ ability to follow safety protocols and respond effectively in critical situations.
