Deadly bus crash puts focus on health of drivers
Regular check-ups urged after man at wheel of double-decker collapses, causing deadly crash
Legislation should be passed requiring all public-transport drivers to have a comprehensive health check annually, a legislator urged yesterday, after two double-deckers crushed a taxi and caused three deaths and 56 injuries yesterday.
Passengers on the New World First Bus vehicle said they saw the 57-year-old driver, Lau Chit - who passed a physical in July - collapse just before the crash in Chai Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan.
First Bus drivers aged over 50 have regular body checks, but a union said those were only general check-ups.
Civic Party lawmaker Dr Kwok Ka-ki, a surgeon, said the government should invite medical professionals to draft guidelines on what items should be covered in a compulsory check-up.
He said it should include an exercise electrocardiogram, which would help find hidden heart problems.
"They are driving vehicles all around the town. They have a very high risk. Public vehicles can kill. I hope this will not happen again," he said.