Fatal bus accident on the A9 near Leipzig - trial begins

Public prosecutor's office: driver lacked care

The 62-year-old driver at the time had lost control of the bus at almost 100 km/h, according to the public prosecutor's office. It assumes that the man failed to exercise the "care required in traffic" and thus caused the accident. The driver was not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication. According to the expert opinion, the bus also had no technical defects. According to the bus company, the driver had been at the wheel since departure from Berlin at 8.00 am and had complied with all driving and rest times.

Discussion about compulsory seat belts in coaches

The serious accident has also reignited the discussion about compulsory seat belts in coaches. According to the Association of Central German Bus Companies, however, this is difficult to enforce. According to the head of the association, Mario König, the drivers do point this out at the start of the journey and after breaks, and there are signs at the seats. However, it is simply not feasible for bus drivers to carry out checks.

A spokesperson for the Dresden police also emphasized that it is more difficult to catch seatbelt offenders on the bus. Checks are usually carried out on sight as the bus passes by. Technical possibilities are also limited. A sensor for unbuckled seat belts, as is often installed in modern cars, would theoretically be possible, but would raise the alarm every time a passenger went to the toilet. Therefore, this technology, as in airplanes, is not practical.

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