North: Increase in bus and train accidents 'due to overworked drivers'

Over-worked drivers are behind a sharp rise in the number of bus and train accidents in Northern Ireland, a trade unionist claimed today.

Over-worked drivers are behind a sharp rise in the number of bus and train accidents in the North, a trade unionist claimed today.

With 1,326 accidents last year Unite called for shorter working hours amid warnings that congested traffic conditions and tight timetables were a "recipe for disaster".

Parent company Translink has defended its record and said it was putting many employees through advanced driving courses.

Unite representative Sean Smyth said: "If you are driving up and down the Shankill like a flute band five to six times a day it is monotonous and if you are having heavy traffic and hassle from schoolchildren it can lead to stress as an underlying cause of accidents."

"Drivers don't have enough time for journeys and they are running late, it is a natural thing to make up time."

Figures released by the Department for Regional Development to North Down MP Lady Sylvia Hermon showed the increase in accidents from 1,224 in 2003.

Last year there were 1,256 Ulsterbus and Metro crashes with 70 on trains.

In February thousands of motorists were delayed after a man was struck by a bus on the M2 near Belfast on Tuesday.

No blame was attached to the driver but he was left shocked and shaken.

A bus accident near Navan in Co Meath in May 2005 killed five schoolchildren.

Most accidents are minor and there were no schoolchildren injured in the North last year.

Mr Smyth added that most drivers were responsible and well-trained but said increased traffic volumes on the road and an obstacle course of roadworks and diversions made a collision more likely.

Mr Smyth added: "I would be confident that at least 30% of the accidents are the responsibility of drivers.

"Driving long hours, five hour shifts, isn't good for your health.

"We have drivers who have been doing this for 30 years and it has a real effect on your well-being."

A total of £429,941 (€630,975) was paid out in compensation in the financial year ending April 2007.

Lady Hermon said: "These figures disclose a moderate year-on-year rise in accidents and also a significant decrease in compensation."

The corresponding tally in 2003 was £1.5m (€2.2m).

A spokeswoman for Translink said their services carried the equivalent of the population of the North (1.7 million) every eight days.

"The health and safety of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance at all times," she said. "Translink provides full training, for staff, to ensure they are prepared and competent to carry out their jobs on a daily basis.

"The company has signed up to the 'European Road Safety Charter' and is committed to putting drivers through advanced driving courses accredited by the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

"Risk assessment groups also operate to identify potential hazards on bus routes as a means to reducing risks."