The tragic fatal accident involving an Egged number 402 bus earlier this week that claimed six lives has drawn much attention to Egged as well as Israel’s public buses in general as commuters wish to know how trustworthy drivers of public vehicles are.

A Walla News report based on data from a government agency shows a staggering increase in the number of bus drivers cited for violating traffic law between 2014-2015, documenting an increase of 46%. The statistics are released as police continue their investigation into the latest 402 crash that also left over 20 people injured, some seriously.

According to the Israel Police Traffic Enforcement Unit, during that same period of time, 2014-2015, there was a 40% increase in traffic violations among taxi drivers.

According to police, 12,406 bus drivers were cited for traffic violations in 2014. The following year, 2015, that number rose even more to 18,188. In addition, two years ago 964 bus drivers were ‘warned’ by police without actually receiving a fine. This number rose to an unbelievable 3,653 in 2015.

There is also a significant increase in the number of fines levied against buses by police, reporting a total of 9,261 two years ago as compared to 12,406 last year. All total, 2,355 bus drivers had to appear in court.

If you are now afraid of taking a bus, things do not appear more encouraging in an Israeli taxi. 12,322 taxi drivers were fined for violating traffic laws in 2014. The following year, 2015, that number climbed to 15,939. Regarding warnings from police, two years ago 630 were issued to taxis drivers as opposed to 2,432 in 2015!. In 2015, 2,708 taxi drivers appeared in court which represents 673 more than in 2014. In 2014, a total of 14,987 taxi drivers were cited for breaking traffic law as compared to 21,079 in 2015.

According to police, regarding buses, most summonses are for speeding, too many passengers and safety violations pertaining to the bus itself. Almost as frequent are fines for erratic driving or driving while distracted.

Following the last fatal accident police announce they are going to get tougher not only with drivers, but their employers too for too often drivers are heading out with an unfit vehicle or their employers fail to do an adequate background check on their new drivers.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)