Driver mental health checks floated to address safety fears after fatal Hong Kong bus crash

Lawmakers and district councillors search for answers after city’s deadliest traffic accident in more than a decade leaves 19 dead

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Bus drivers needed to be treated better even if it meant higher fares, a lawmaker said. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 9:47pm, 13 Feb 2018Updated: 10:48pm, 13 Feb 2018

The mental health of Hong Kong bus drivers should be assessed and more speed cameras installed on dangerous sections of road to enhance transport safety, lawmakers and district councillors urged on Tuesday.

Their recommendations came after a bus crash in Tai Po on Saturday left 19 people dead and more than 60 injured in Hong Kong’s deadliest traffic accident in more than a decade.

The driver of the KMB double-decker, Chan Ho-ming, was remanded in custody and appeared at Fanling Court on Tuesday accused of dangerous driving causing death.

Legislative Council member Lam Cheuk-ting told a radio show that bus companies should take a leaf out of the book of the city’s uniformed services by considering the psychological health of candidates when hiring.

Passers-by at a police vehicle examination centre in Tai Lam Chung, Tuen Mun, take pictures of the bus involved in Saturday’s deadly crash. Photo: David Wong

“Bus companies mainly look at driving and health records when recruiting drivers, not their emotional and mental well-being,” he said.

“Some uniformed groups have such requirements, especially when their job is related to safety.”