Rear-end and Multi-vehicle Accident Involving a High-speed Bus: Caused by Drowsy Driving Due to Long Hours and Inadequate Post-Accident Response
An investigation report on a highway bus rear-end collision has been released, identifying long driving hours and failure to follow post-accident safety procedures as the primary causes.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 28, 2026 at 16:52
- 🔍 Collected: March 28, 2026 at 21:59 (5h 6m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 10:16 (420h 17m after Collected)
The Commercial Vehicle Accident Investigation Committee (Chairperson: Yutaka Yoshida), an organization commissioned by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to prevent traffic accidents involving commercial vehicles and mitigate damage, has approved and released an investigation report regarding a rear-end collision involving a large passenger bus that occurred in Komono-cho, Mie Prefecture, on April 17, 2023.
【About this Accident】
■ Accident Overview
On April 17, 2023, at approximately 0:12 AM, an accident occurred in Komono-cho, Mie Prefecture. Despite having two drivers assigned to the vehicle, the driver of the large passenger bus traveling on the Shin-Meishin Expressway continued driving without switching with the relief driver. This led to prolonged driving, resulting in the driver falling asleep and rear-ending a large tractor traveling at a low speed ahead (the first accident). Due to the first accident, the hazard light operation lever was damaged. The driver failed to activate hazard lights or take necessary safety measures such as setting up warning triangles or flares. Consequently, a second accident occurred when a following large truck collided with the bus, which remained stopped in the first traffic lane. Note that both drivers on the bus were dispatched from a different company. (Please refer to the attachment for details.)
■ Causes of the Accident
The accident was caused by driving for long hours contrary to the operation plan and inadequate response to the accident on the expressway.
■ Preventive Measures
Thorough implementation of proper operation management, such as strictly adhering to the operation plan (switching drivers at scheduled times). Thorough guidance and supervision of drivers regarding post-accident procedures on expressways. Additionally, building an open workplace environment to ensure transport safety.
～Message from the Commercial Vehicle Accident Investigation Committee for Prevention～
If a relief driver is on board, switch drivers according to the operation plan to prevent the accumulation of fatigue!
If you stop on an expressway, notify following vehicles of the accident by turning on hazard lights and setting up warning triangles or flares!
This investigation report was prepared by the Commercial Vehicle Accident Investigation Committee for the purpose of investigating and analyzing the causes of commercial vehicle accidents and associated damages to contribute to accident prevention and damage mitigation; it is not intended to assign legal liability. The Committee will continue its activities to realize a society with fewer traffic accidents.
Rear-end Collision Involving a Large Passenger Bus
Drowsy Driving Due to Long Continuous Hours Leads to Multi-vehicle Accident on Expressway
Accident Overview
April 17, 2023, around 0:12 AM, Komono-cho, Mie Prefecture