Train bus drivers to be more alert around elderly

In recent months, there has been a number of media reports on accidents involving drivers of public buses and, worryingly, involving senior citizens.

One example is a former SMRT bus driver who drove off while an 88-year-old passenger still had one foot on the bus. In April, the driver was sentenced to one week’s jail and disqualified from driving for 18 months for his negligence.

Such an incident could have been prevented if the driver had been more patient and more observant.

Perhaps there is a need to introduce an “observance programme”, which could make use of various scenarios involving the elderly, to train and enhance bus drivers’ observation skills when it comes to seniors. The programme could also include helping drivers be more aware of the needs of those with mobility problems.