These are images that we do not like to see from a motorist. So when it comes to a bus driver, a bus that is more frequently used by children, the situation quickly provokes controversy. This Wednesday, Het Laatste Nieuws brought to light images showing a bus driver tapping on his phone while driving.
The event occurred on line 391 of De Lijn, between Mol and Arendonk, a route used by many children to get to school. It was one of the students who caught the driver on his phone and decided to film him. A video that he then sent to his mother. “My son was scared and didn’t dare talk to the driver regarding it. He really didn’t feel safe, ”says his mother, who wonders above all what would have happened if the driver had caused an accident.
Faced with De Lijn’s non-reaction to her complaint, the mother therefore decided to contact the Flemish newspaper. Het Laatste Nieuws was finally able to get an answer and a reaction from the transport company. “Mobile use while driving is of course not permitted, even for our drivers. The rules are very clear: the driver’s attention must be focused on traffic at all times. And the safety of other road users and travelers is a priority.”
De Lijn claims to have identified the driver in question and taken the appropriate measures.