Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Speed, Distraction Among Many Factors In Deadly 2013 Bus-Train Crash

The Canadian Press, 02 Dec, 2015 11:11 AM
  • Speed, Distraction Among Many Factors In Deadly 2013 Bus-Train Crash
OTTAWA — The Transportation Safety Board says driving distractions, speed and roadway configuration were among a multitude of factors that led to a deadly 2013 collision in Ottawa between a city bus and a Via Rail train.
 
In its final report on the crash — six people on board the double-decker OCTranspo bus were killed, including the driver — the board concluded that a number of factors conspired together in the moments before impact.
 
"Given the same circumstances, this accident could have happened to just about any driver," said Rob Johnston, the lead investigator.
 
The board concluded that the driver's view of the road was obstructed by foliage as the bus approached the crossing just as the train was coming into its path. The driver was also distracted by an on-board video monitor and passenger conversations, the report said.
 
The board had already concluded that the bus was in good mechanical shape, the brakes were working and there were no drugs or alcohol involved.
 
"This complex investigation identified 15 inter-related findings that played a part in this tragedy," said board chairwoman Kathy Fox.
 
"Remove even one, and this may have had a very different outcome. But because of this accident, we are calling for concerted action to reduce the risk of railway crossing accidents."
 
To address what it calls major safety deficiencies identified during the investigation, the board made five recommendations.
 
They cover the installation and use of in-vehicle video displays on buses, crashworthiness standards, data recorders for commercial passenger buses, and grade separations at busy railway crossings, both in Ottawa and across Canada.

MORE National ARTICLES

Remote B.C. Community Frets Over Cut Lifeline As Plug Pulled On Internet

Remote B.C. Community Frets Over Cut Lifeline As Plug Pulled On Internet
District of Stewart, the non-profit provider pulled the plug on the Internet on Monday, and it could be weeks before the community gets back online

Remote B.C. Community Frets Over Cut Lifeline As Plug Pulled On Internet

Richmond Predator Martin Tremblay Declared Dangerous Offender, Given Indeterminate Prison Sentence

Richmond Predator Martin Tremblay Declared Dangerous Offender, Given Indeterminate Prison Sentence
Friends and family of 17-year-old Martha Jackson and 16-year-old Kayla Lalonde cried and cheered as a B.C. Supreme Court judge handed down his decision

Richmond Predator Martin Tremblay Declared Dangerous Offender, Given Indeterminate Prison Sentence

Ontario University Hockey Team Changes It's Offensive Name, Destroys Jerseys After Complaint

Ontario University Hockey Team Changes It's Offensive Name, Destroys Jerseys After Complaint
The co-ed team of law students at Western University was called Dixon Cider — a name that the dean of the university's faculty of law says isn't immediately clear that it's offensive until it is spoken aloud

Ontario University Hockey Team Changes It's Offensive Name, Destroys Jerseys After Complaint

Suspect In Alberta Triple Homicide Shot By RCMP, No One Else Hurt

Suspect In Alberta Triple Homicide Shot By RCMP, No One Else Hurt
RCMP say that earlier today they went with a warrant to arrest Mickell Bailey in the deaths of Roxanne Berube, another female and Daniel Miller.

Suspect In Alberta Triple Homicide Shot By RCMP, No One Else Hurt

Rape Group Won't Be Heard At Ivan Henry's Compensation Hearing

A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has rejected an attempt by Vancouver Rape Relief to argue that a man acquitted of sexual assault after nearly three decades behind bars is actually guilty.

Rape Group Won't Be Heard At Ivan Henry's Compensation Hearing

2-Year-Old Girl Found Safe After Missing For Hours Near Powell River, B.C.

2-Year-Old Girl Found Safe After Missing For Hours Near Powell River, B.C.
Const. Tim Kenning with the Powell River RCMP says police believed the little girl walked away from her home.

2-Year-Old Girl Found Safe After Missing For Hours Near Powell River, B.C.