Investigation of Factors Influencing Bus Accidents: A Framework for Enhancing Transportation Safety Mitigation

Intercity and interprovincial bus accidents are major road safety concerns due to their high fatality potential, mainly resulting from large passenger capacities. These buses often travel long distances, increasing the risks of driver fatigue, reduced alertness, and other hazardous behaviors. Various internal and external factors influence driver safety, each playing a crucial role. This study examines these factors to understand their contributions to bus accidents and establishes a foundation for developing mitigation strategies. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to bus drivers in the Jakarta region, Indonesia, and surrounding areas. Internal factors included human-related elements, while external factors comprised sociodemographics, vehicle conditions, environmental aspects (such as weather, road conditions, and lighting), policies, regulations, and company management practices. A logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between multiple independent variables and accident occurrence. Significant predictors included education level (elementary and junior high school: negative), driving training frequency (1–4 times: positive), and emotional control (seldom: positive; sometimes: negative). These findings underscore the crucial roles of education, training, and emotional regulation in preventing accidents. To address these issues, transportation companies should implement mentoring programs for new drivers, introduce probationary periods for assistant drivers, and integrate Virtual Reality (VR) training. Additionally, the government should facilitate meetings among bus companies and establish regulations requiring drivers to undergo training and competency tests before renewing their licenses. This study is limited to reputable bus companies, which may affect its generalizability. Future research should utilize Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate indirect relationships and compare accident risk factors across various company types.