1. STPM 2014 P2 Trial MUET Writing Q2 Causes of Bus Accidents
Lately, the media have reported a spate of bus accidents that they attribute to a number of factors.
There are many causes of bus accidents, but some of the most common causes are bus driver error, road rage or
aggressive driving and speeding, violations of alcohol, drug and hours of service requirements and faulty equipment.
A fatigued bus driver is unsafe and is much more likely to make a serious driving error. Driver errors can take
many forms: failing to check blind spots, making too wide of turns, driving too fast for conditions, etc. Incredibly, some
bus drivers choose to risk the lives of their passengers and the lives of other motorists by texting while driving, eating
while driving, adjusting navigation devices, talking on their cell phones, etc.
Driving is not a competitive sport, but some drivers try their best to make it one. Road rage takes many forms
from aggressive tailgating to trying to run the other driver off the road. Most motorists speed because they are in a hurry
to get to their destination. Bus drivers are no exception. With their pre-determined timetables, they are under a
tremendous amount of pressure to stay on schedule. When weather, traffic, road construction or something else causes
a delay, there is a heavy temptation to try and make up the time by speeding. Because of their increased weight and
size, buses have increased stopping times, and speeding makes it much more difficult for them to stop if traffic suddenly
slows or stops.
Bus drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and drug are a serious threat to their passengers and other
motorists. The Federal Motor Safety Administration has established strict rules for a bus driver's hours of service. The
regulations dictate the number of rest and driving hours for bus drivers. By law, bus drivers must carefully log these
times into their log books. Unfortunately, some bus drivers falsify their logs and drive longer than is legally permissible.
As a consequence, they become fatigued and make serious, and sometimes fatal, mistakes.
Lastly, buses are expensive to maintain, so a lot of bus drivers and bus companies cut corners in hopes of
saving on costs. But, faulty equipment can be much more expensive as it can cost lives. Sometimes, the maintenance
and repair work is performed by outside companies. In some instances, the problem is a manufacturing or design defect
in the bus. In which case, the manufacturer of the bus may be responsible.
In conclusion, the public, particularly bus passengers, must be aware of bus safety. Don't just rely on the driver
to keep you safe. Whether the accident is big or small, any bus-related accident quickly turns chaotic for families and
communities when you consider the precious cargo each bus carries. Ultimately, the biggest penalty for drivers isn't a
hefty ticket, but rather the heart-breaking consequences of hurting a passenger.
(481 words)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STPM 2014 P2 Trial MUET Writing Q2 Causes of Bus Accidents
Lately, the media have reported a spate of bus accidents that they attribute to a number of factors.
There are many causes of bus accidents, but some of the most common causes are bus driver error, road rage or
aggressive driving and speeding, violations of alcohol, drug and hours of service requirements and faulty equipment.
A fatigued bus driver is unsafe and is much more likely to make a serious driving error. Driver errors can take
many forms: failing to check blind spots, making too wide of turns, driving too fast for conditions, etc. Incredibly, some
bus drivers choose to risk the lives of their passengers and the lives of other motorists by texting while driving, eating
while driving, adjusting navigation devices, talking on their cell phones, etc.
Driving is not a competitive sport, but some drivers try their best to make it one. Road rage takes many forms
from aggressive tailgating to trying to run the other driver off the road. Most motorists speed because they are in a hurry
to get to their destination. Bus drivers are no exception. With their pre-determined timetables, they are under a
tremendous amount of pressure to stay on schedule. When weather, traffic, road construction or something else causes
a delay, there is a heavy temptation to try and make up the time by speeding. Because of their increased weight and
size, buses have increased stopping times, and speeding makes it much more difficult for them to stop if traffic suddenly
slows or stops.
Bus drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and drug are a serious threat to their passengers and other
motorists. The Federal Motor Safety Administration has established strict rules for a bus driver's hours of service. The
regulations dictate the number of rest and driving hours for bus drivers. By law, bus drivers must carefully log these
times into their log books. Unfortunately, some bus drivers falsify their logs and drive longer than is legally permissible.
As a consequence, they become fatigued and make serious, and sometimes fatal, mistakes.
Lastly, buses are expensive to maintain, so a lot of bus drivers and bus companies cut corners in hopes of
saving on costs. But, faulty equipment can be much more expensive as it can cost lives. Sometimes, the maintenance
and repair work is performed by outside companies. In some instances, the problem is a manufacturing or design defect
in the bus. In which case, the manufacturer of the bus may be responsible.
In conclusion, the public, particularly bus passengers, must be aware of bus safety. Don't just rely on the driver
to keep you safe. Whether the accident is big or small, any bus-related accident quickly turns chaotic for families and
communities when you consider the precious cargo each bus carries. Ultimately, the biggest penalty for drivers isn't a
hefty ticket, but rather the heart-breaking consequences of hurting a passenger.

2. (481 words)