NTSB Calls for Changes and Tighter Oversight in the United States Passenger Bus Industry
On December 9, 2009, the NTSB released findings on a fatal bus crash that occurred on January 2, 2008 killing a passenger after the driver fell asleep at the wheel. The investigation revealed that the vehicle veered off of U.S. 59 and then overcorrected, causing the bus to roll over onto its right side. The bus carrying 47 passengers was subsequently hit by a pickup truck. In addition to the fatality, many people were catastrophically injured. The investigation revealed that the driver of the bus was only licensed to drive the bus within Texas even though the bus was heading from Mexico to Houston.
The NTSB noted that the current federal regulatory environment with regard to buses allows a non-compliant motorcoach to be registered on U.S. roadways. The NTSB Chairman, Deborah A. P. Hersman stated that “the traveling public should expect that any motorcoach that they ride on complies with all of the safety criteria posted on any other commercial passenger vehicle within our borders.” The NTSB urged other federal agencies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Motorcoach Safety Administration, and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to better coordinate efforts to root out buses and other coaches that do not meet U.S. safety standards.
The car accident and bus accident lawyers at Reiff & Bily have been representing seriously injured victims of bus accidents since 1979. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car or bus accident, you deserve to have your rights represented in an aggressive fashion by lawyers with a successful track record. For a free, no obligation consultation, please contact our office at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.
