PHUKET: A bus run by a company lauded for its safety flipped onto its side on a curve north of Phuket late today, injuring eight of the 14 passengers on board.
The Rungkit Tour bus on a regular run between Phuket and Chumporn tipped onto its side on the Bang Yai Curve between Takuapa and Kuraburi in Phang Nga, the province north of Phuket.
Eight passengers were cut by glass but not seriously injured, said paramedics who attended the crash about 4.56pm.
The company runs the 412-kilometre trip five times daily.
One year ago, manager of Rungkit Tour Nisanart Boonnaganoon told a Phuket newspaper: ''We have 14 buses which we always send to the Phuket Land Transportation Office for checking, according to schedule.
''In addition, we have regular specified dates for checking brake systems, oil, and the entire engine. For instance, we change the oil of any bus that has run 20 times.
''The strict safety policy of Rungkit means we will not retread tyres, instead we will change them. When this happens, the mechanic will also check the brake pads.''
Rungkit has chosen to install the retarder auxiliary brake system on its buses because of the road conditions on the way from Phuket to Ranong, which the company's vehicles frequently travel.
''Because the hilly route has many curves, we believe that the retarder system will make for a safer journey for our passengers, and at the same time save costs for maintenance.''
The Rungkit Tour bus on a regular run between Phuket and Chumporn tipped onto its side on the Bang Yai Curve between Takuapa and Kuraburi in Phang Nga, the province north of Phuket.
Eight passengers were cut by glass but not seriously injured, said paramedics who attended the crash about 4.56pm.
The company runs the 412-kilometre trip five times daily.
One year ago, manager of Rungkit Tour Nisanart Boonnaganoon told a Phuket newspaper: ''We have 14 buses which we always send to the Phuket Land Transportation Office for checking, according to schedule.
''In addition, we have regular specified dates for checking brake systems, oil, and the entire engine. For instance, we change the oil of any bus that has run 20 times.
''The strict safety policy of Rungkit means we will not retread tyres, instead we will change them. When this happens, the mechanic will also check the brake pads.''
Rungkit has chosen to install the retarder auxiliary brake system on its buses because of the road conditions on the way from Phuket to Ranong, which the company's vehicles frequently travel.
''Because the hilly route has many curves, we believe that the retarder system will make for a safer journey for our passengers, and at the same time save costs for maintenance.''
What about driver training?
Posted by larry on November 13, 2012 08:48