The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is hosting a conference in DC this week aimed at reviewing the laws and regulations regarding the safety of commuter buses and commercial trucks. The conference follows a series of very serious accidents involving buses and trucks throughout the country, including a March accident in New York city that killed 15 people. Last summer, a high profile accident injuring several people occurred in Boston involving a “duck tour” bus.
Private bus companies, including national carriers and local tour companies, have been under growing scrutiny after many have been cited for violations ranging from mechanical defects to driver fatigue. Senator Chuck Schumer singled out discount tour companies requesting the NTSB to “examine the overall effectiveness of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s safety regime for the low-cost tour bus industry.”
Bus and truck accidents can be particularly dangerous because of the increased size of the vehicles. Also, passengers in commercial buses lack the safety equipment, such as seat belts and airbags, that comes standard in cars. The high number of people along with their bags, luggage, and other carry-ons also increases the danger of injury in a bus accident.
The safety conference will likely focus on increased regulation of buses and commercial trucks including more significant penalties for violations and more careful screening of employees and vehicle operators.
My office is experienced in representing victims of the most serious types of auto accidents including bus and commercial truck accidents. If you have been injured in this type of collision, contact my office right away for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we are successful in obtaining money for you.