More than 3 thousand bus accidents occurred in the last 7 months

According to experts, the main reason for the recent increase in bus accidents is the difficulty "veteran drivers" have in adapting to new-generation bus technologies. According to TUIK data, 3 thousand 713 bus accidents occurred in Turkey in the last 7 months. 

According to the report in Akşam newspaper, Bilal Özcan, Chairman of the Turkey Bus Operators Federation, drew attention to the impact of digitalization on the increase in accidents and stated the following: "The inspection system has been active since 2018. However, veteran drivers are hitting the road without knowing the new-generation buses. This personnel must be trained."

Touching upon illegal trips, Özcan stated that illegal trips are being made from coffeehouses, butcher shops, and districts, especially in Istanbul during the winter months. To prevent this situation, he emphasized that attention must be paid to drivers' licenses, SRC certificates, and tachographs. He also expressed the need for a new generation of drivers to be trained in vocational schools.

Arguing that the wage policy needs to be updated, Özcan said that drivers should be paid satisfactory wages and that salaried, insured working conditions should be provided. He stated that passenger costs should be reviewed to reduce costs and ensure companies make a profit. He also expressed that practices such as drivers reporting information to their companies via computer and performing self-administered alcohol tests, as is the case in Europe, should also be implemented in Turkey.

A report on a new bus accident that occurred in Kars while this article was being prepared was also added to the news, which refers to TUIK data stating that 3 thousand 713 bus accidents occurred in the last 7 months. It was reported that 2 people lost their lives and 8 people were injured as a result of the accident.

News Source: 12punto