Driver killed, more than 20 injured in bus accident in Mie

"The substitute driver was sleeping at the time of the accident..."

Are they saying there was a second driver onboard, who alternates driving duties with the one who was driving? Or, is the driver who crashed a substitute for the regularly scheduled driver, and crashed after they fell asleep?

Yes

I have a suspension that it was not only the substitute driver asleep at the time of the accident.

"The substitute driver was sleeping at the time of the accident..."

garypen

Are they saying there was a second driver onboard, who alternates driving duties with the one who was driving? Or, is the driver who crashed a substitute for the regularly scheduled driver, and crashed after they fell asleep?

For extra long hauls like this, they have a secondary driver who is in a small compartment below the passengers who often rests/takes naps to take over from the first driver midway through the trip.

Weren't companies just recently saying they should scrap the limit on hours drivers can work because there is a growing shortage of drivers? I suspect it won't be long before the follow-up news about how this driver had already pulled another shift not long before, and the company will say, "We will fully investigate the issue." And of course it will be made clear the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

Sleeping driver or medical condition such an heart attack

Mr Kipling

I have a suspension that it was not only the substitute driver asleep at the time of the accident.

A great way to start a rumor when you have no idea.

"The substitute driver was sleeping at the time of the accident..."

Are they saying there was a second driver onboard, who alternates driving duties with the one who was driving? Or, is the driver who crashed a substitute for the regularly scheduled driver, and crashed after they fell asleep?

after [he] fell asleep. The former per NHK news: 車内には、このほか、交代のための運転手１人がいましたが、けがはなかったということです。The substitute driver on board at the time sustained no injuries.

I have a suspension that it was not only the substitute driver asleep at the time of the accident.

I have the same suspicion. The deceased driver might have dozed off.

I am late, have just seen this, so much circumspect. The coach apparently totally crossed the opposite carriageway/s based on the pic. Sorries about the driver, and thankful to the responders! Good news?? nobody got wiped out travelling in the opposite direction.

Crashed into a wooded area? More like crashed into a big solid tree.

Don't these buses have 'nodding off' sensors and alarms? If not, perhaps they should, especially on long-distance night buses.

The deceased driver might have dozed off.

The driver could have had a medical problem too. Let's see what the mishap investigation turns up.

I just rented a van last week and it had sensors that beeped whenever I swerved onto the white or yellow lane markers. Don't these buses have the same thing?