Close X
Thursday, December 12, 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

Toronto Police Doing Immigration 'Dirty Work,' Activist Groups Say Data Show

Toronto Police Doing Immigration 'Dirty Work,' Activist Groups Say Data Show
Toronto police denied any racial profiling or proactive reporting to the border agency.

Toronto Police Doing Immigration 'Dirty Work,' Activist Groups Say Data Show

Premiers Hopeful Canada Can Shed International Image As Environmental Pariah

Premiers Hopeful Canada Can Shed International Image As Environmental Pariah
Arriving for their first formal meeting with a prime minister in nearly seven years, premiers are praising Justin Trudeau's willingness to take national leadership on the climate change file.

Premiers Hopeful Canada Can Shed International Image As Environmental Pariah

ICAO To Discuss Airport Security And Other Threats At Expert Panel In March

While most member countries meet high standards, "sometimes we do find there are deficiencies here and there," he told reporters following the opening of a three-day aviation forum on the economic contribution of global aviation.

ICAO To Discuss Airport Security And Other Threats At Expert Panel In March

Friend Of 'Scud Stud' Arthur Kent Says Don Martin Column Was A 'Hatchet Job'

CALGARY — A friend and campaign worker of former TV journalist Arthur Kent says a column written by Don Martin during the 2008 Alberta election campaign was a "hatchet job".

Friend Of 'Scud Stud' Arthur Kent Says Don Martin Column Was A 'Hatchet Job'

Death Of Boy In Forklift Accident A Shock To Members Of Alberta Hutterite Colony

Death Of Boy In Forklift Accident A Shock To Members Of Alberta Hutterite Colony
Mike Stahl says the death has been a shock to the 80 people who live on the Lougheed colony near Killam, southeast of Edmonton.

Death Of Boy In Forklift Accident A Shock To Members Of Alberta Hutterite Colony

Bail Hearing For Quebecer Arraigned In YouTube Murder Threats Against Arabs

Bail Hearing For Quebecer Arraigned In YouTube Murder Threats Against Arabs
The 24-year-old Jesse Pelletier, who has a bone defect from birth and suffered an accident about a year ago, appeared in court last week in a wheelchair.

Bail Hearing For Quebecer Arraigned In YouTube Murder Threats Against Arabs