Cologne's bus accidents at record high: Alarming numbers shake publicly!
Cologne's bus accidents at record high: Alarming numbers shake publicly!
In Cologne city traffic, reports on accidents are increasing in which the buses of Cologne's traffic companies (KVB) are involved. This represents an alarming development that could not only endanger the safety of passengers, but also increase the loads for the bus drivers. On September 24, 2022, a serious accident occurred in the Buchforst district, in which a 10-year-old girl was seriously injured when it wanted to cross Waldecker Strasse with his scooter. The 55-year-old bus driver could not brake in time and ran over the scooter. The girl suffered serious head injuries and had to be taken to the hospital. At the scene of the accident, the eyewitnesses were looked after by pastors to support them in processing the trauma.
In 2022, a total of 78 accidents were registered in which KVB line buses were involved. This is the highest number of bus accidents for years. For comparison: in 2020 there were only 48 and 2021 64 accidents. The number of injuries is also increasing: after 60 injured people in 2020, 96 in 2021 and 109 in 2022, with passengers who are also injured in abrupt braking. In October 2022, for example, there was an incident in which nine passengers were violated due to an emergency braking. According to the KVB spokesman, the exact reasons for the increasing number of accidents are still unclear, but it is believed that increasing traffic and the increased complexity of the traffic situation in Cologne play a role. In addition, the KVB emphasizes that bus drivers are trained in forward -looking driving to avoid accidents and increase security.
psychological stress of the bus drivers
In this context, it should also be pointed out in this context to the psychological stress that bus drivers have to bear in local public transport (public transport). The F2038 research project F2038 shows that the psychological strain on bus drivers leads to more disease -related failures than in many other industries. These loads include shift work, irregular working hours, constant confrontation with noise and exhaust gases as well as conflict situations with passengers.Especially inner-city bus staff shows increased morbidity and often suffers from cardiovascular diseases or diseases of the musculoskeletal system. These loads can lead to high blood pressure and stress, which can increase the likelihood of errors and thus also of accidents in traffic. It is crucial to take preventive measures. Companies that determine the psychological stress of their employees and determine targeted countermeasures can not only promote the health of their drivers, but also improve general traffic safety.
escalation of violence in local transport
The challenges in Cologne local transport are not only the risk of accidents, but also increasing willingness to violence among passengers. An example of this is a knife attack that occurred on December 9, 2024 in a KVB bus. The attacker, a 52-year-old man with psychological abnormalities, was violent during a deal with a 53-year-old bus driver. The driver immediately braked and opened the doors to enable passengers to escape. A 66-year-old passenger fell during the incident and contracted bruises. The police were able to quickly overwhelm the suspect and ensured a knife and pepper spray. Because of his mental state, the man was brought to a clinic while the investigation continues.
These incidents illustrate the variety of risks in Cologne local transport and underline the need to ensure both the safety of passengers and the health of the bus drivers. In order to meet the challenges of the increasing number of accidents and violence in local transport, an integrated approach is required that focuses on both traffic safety and the mental health of the employees.
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