Dublin Bus Wellington Quay Trial

HelterSkelter

The court case is on at the moment and is being reported in the media (http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0207/bus.html). The driver is being charged with dangerous driving. Just wondering what people's opinions on this are. Personally I don't see what this will achieve. According to all the media reports and court evidence so far it seems to be a freak accident. I don't see the point in charging the driver, I'm sure he is going to suffer enough for the rest of his life because of what happened. I have to say I feel very sorry for him. What do you think?

r3nu4l

While I do feel incredibly sorry for the driver I also think that this trial will do Dublni Bus some good in the long run.

Without going into too much detail from the trial (prejudicial to outcome and all that) I think that driver fitness for overtime should be a serious consideration before any such permission for overtime is given.

On the surface this seems like a tragic accident as neither driver appears to be sure that the bus was in neutral when the driver on trial first got on the bus.

Again, this trial will highlight Dublin Bus drivers bus operation procedures.

Unfortunately, while the driver and his family are undoubtedly suffering terribly so too are the victims families. I personally knew the woman from Maynooth to see. I remember her quite vividly cycling over Bond Bridge at the smae time every day. She was very sprightly and fit for her age!

I can't imagine how the victims families feel, I would say that they too see it as a tragic accident but would like a proper explanaiton in court. Therefore some type of public trial/inquest/tribunal is necessary. My heart does go out to the bus driver though as well as the victims families.

Archeron

well said R3nu4l. My mum also knew the lady from Darndale who died. If nothing else, here's hoping it may offer some closure to the families on what was an awful, awful tragedy.

HelterSkelter

While I do feel incredibly sorry for the driver I also think that this trial will do Dublni Bus some good in the long run.

Without going into too much detail from the trial (prejudicial to outcome and all that) I think that driver fitness for overtime should be a serious consideration before any such permission for overtime is given.

On the surface this seems like a tragic accident as neither driver appears to be sure that the bus was in neutral when the driver on trial first got on the bus.

Again, this trial will highlight Dublin Bus drivers bus operation procedures.

So why charge the driver then? If the objective is to question work practices in DB shouldn't the company be on trial? I know that several Dublin Bus drivers thought that particular terminus was dangerous.

r3nu4l

HelterSkelter wrote:

So why charge the driver then?

I don't have the evidence to hand but the Director for Public Prosecutions does and I imagine they must have something as they considerd a charge necessary.

HelterSkelter wrote:

If the objective is to question work practices in DB shouldn't the company be on trial?

In my opinion only the objective should be to look at the entire incident including DB work practices and overtime suitability procedures. I do think that Dublin Bus procedures should face some sort of investigation and maybe there will be something if enough evidence comes to light in the trial.

HelterSkelter wrote:

I know that several Dublin Bus drivers thought that particular terminus was dangerous.

Yes, they had complained about it beforehand as had a number of commuter groups.

Sangre

[QUOTE=HelterSkelter Personally I don't see what this will achieve. According to all the media reports and court evidence so far it seems to be a freak accident. I don't see the point in charging the driver, I'm sure he is going to suffer enough for the rest of his life because of what happened. [/QUOTE]

The whole point of the case is to see whether it was actually a freak accident or if the driver was so negligent as to be worthy of prosecution. The DPP didn't bring this case for laughs.

Wishbone Ash

HelterSkelter wrote:

I'm sure he is going to suffer enough for the rest of his life because of what happened. I have to say I feel very sorry for him.

Agree - it doesn't bear thinking about.


I find it a bit puzzling. If the bus was in 'drive', is it possible that the park brake was not engaged? Most buses would normally creep forward in this mode(unless faced uphill). I'm wondering if it's possible that the bus was in 'drive' with the park brake disengaged but the wheel was turned slightly towards the kerb preventing it from creeping forward. The driver may have pressed the accelerator while getting seated giving it enough momentum to surge forward. But then again, a witness said she say him turning the steering wheel to the right and checking for traffic.

I drive buses on a part time basis and I often board an empty bus with the engine running and in 'drive' (albeit with the parking brake engaged). Very sloppy practise.

The_Minister

I was drinking with one of the witnesses a few weeks ago. The case may be more complex than some of you seem to think.

EDIT: Discussion about this should really wait until the trial was finished.

lostexpectation

they don't seem to be out to crucify the guy but if it was negligence he should be convicted

hullaballoo

Sorry folks, but this sort of thing can't be discussed until the trial has ended. Otherwise it's contempt of court, and we want to avoid being caught out for that.

Just to qualify this (I know some people will try and tell me that the media are discussing it): the media are just reporting it. That's all they're allowed to do, just like anyone else. Once opinion and speculation come into it, there can be serious trouble.

Thread locked until the trial is finished.