It is compulsory for express buses travelling on a trip of more than 300 km to have a second driver for the safety of passengers. As reported by The Star, Penang road transport department (JPJ) director Zulkifly Ismail said this requirement also applies to journeys exceeding four hours to ensure drivers get enough rest, reducing the risk of accidents, especially fatal ones.
“Express buses on journeys exceeding 300 km require a second driver, but many express bus operators fail to provide this. The normal reason we get is that the second driver will take over at the next terminal, but the rules stipulate that two drivers are required when starting the journey,” said Zulkifly. Companies that fail to comply with regulations will face legal action, including being prohibited from operating.
Zulkifly added that during a special Hari Raya operation conducted from April 1 at the Penang Sentral Bus Terminal, a total of 121 buses were inspected, with action taken against five found not to have a second driver.
In addition to express buses, the operation targeted offence commonly committed by road users, including speeding, running red lights and improper lane changes. “Overall, a total of 4,553 vehicles were inspected and 1,377 summonses were issued for various offences, with action taken against 790 vehicles, 37 of them were confiscated,” said Zulkifly.
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While you’re at it, please install a speed limiter to 90km/h, and telematics with dash cam
Some will be their wife along so that can consider as second driver?
Good initiative
Long time ago I was on a long bus trip. Don’t remember when & how long the journey was. The road was windy, I noticed the driver kept nodding off. I went up to engage in a conversation, to keep him awake. Despite of this, at times times he was swerving & crossing the dividing line, about to crash into opposite vehicles, & I had to grabbed hold of the steering wheel, abruptly turned it back to course, thus avoiding collisions. Later when he was fully awake he behaved arrogantly, resenting my intervention (read: hurting his ego). One woman behind me acknowledged that my actions had averted disaster(s). Those were scary, close calls.
Just like long distance flying. Just like the the gentleman’s comment above – ” install a speed limiter to 90km/h, and telematics with dash cam”.
Did you know,gov dept bus driver didnt get extra driver as required by jpj,double standard.
Those who have travelled in Europe by bus will know the buses all have been linked to apps that ensure the bus drivers get appropriate rest on long journeys.
Why cant we do the same.
During my shcool days, there was a speed limiter program introduced for lorries which were speeding. The lorries had an amber light which will flash when the speed exceeded 90 Km/h. What happened to that system??
Nowadays there are lots of apps in the newer lorries. Why cant the app be used to detect and report to JPJ if the lorry has breached speed limit or length of time the lorry has been in drive mode!!