SBS BUS ACCIDENTS (Particulars)

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, since 1st January, 1977, (a) how many Singapore Bus Service buses were involved in accidents; (b) what steps are being considered to improve the performance of SBS bus drivers for the better safety of other road users and bus passengers; and (c) how many SBS drivers have been reprimanded or dismissed for careless driving.

The Minister for Culture and Senior Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, from January to September this year, SBS was involved in a total of 3,648 accidents. These accidents included minor accidents such as falls or injuries sustained by commuters while boarding or alighting buses. This worked out to an average of 412 accidents per month.

An analysis of available detailed statistics for the months of June to August this year showed that 78% of the accidents were minor, 22% were major and 0.4% were fatal. 56% of the accidents were due to the fault of SBS drivers.

Steps have been taken to cut down the accident rate. A Training Department was set up in SBS in 1976 to improve the driving standards of bus drivers. Newly recruited drivers must undergo a minimum two-week practical-cum-theoretical familiarisation course which offers instruction in accident prevention, defensive driving and good driving habits. Intensive refresher courses are also conducted for drivers with poor driving records. To-date, 334 drivers have attended these courses.

An Accident Investigation Unit was also set up in SBS in April this year to investigate the causes of accidents involving SBS buses. The Unit co-ordinates with the Training Department in identifying the training requirements of drivers. The performances of bus crews are constantly being checked by field supervisors, ticket inspectors and timekeepers.

Disciplinary measures are taken against erring drivers. These measures could be in the form of warnings, suspension from duties or dismissals, depending on the gravity of the accidents involved. On the more constructive side, SBS implements a productivity incentive scheme whereby good drivers are rewarded $1.50 per day whilst bad drivers are singled out for re-training with loss of incentive allowance.

To emphasize the need for safety consciousness, safety driving seminars are occasionally c0nducted in conjunction with SILO.

SBS is also imposing stricter standards of repair and preventive maintenance to ensure that accidents caused by mechanical faults are prevented.

SBS has plans to extend its present two-week familiarisation course to provide a further week of on-the-job training under the close supervision of good and experienced drivers. A special campaign to apprehend speeding drivers is also being planned. The Vehicle Inspection Unit will be further strengthened to ensure that minimum safety standards are complied with.

Mr Speaker, Sir, disciplinary action has been taken against 698 drivers for careless driving, from January to September this year. Of these, 592 were reprimanded, 102 suspended and four dismissed. In general, first offenders, in cases involving minor accidents, are given written warnings. Stiffer penalties are imposed for repeated offences. followed by dismissals.