• 19
  • May
    2011

Lawmakers and regulators have been focused on strengthening bus safety regulations after a series of tragic bus accidents.

In March, 15 bus passengers were killed in New York on their return trip from a casino in Connecticut. The bus driver allegedly fell asleep while driving, resulting in the bus flipping over and crashing into a signpost that cut off a majority of the roof.

Earlier this month the Transportation Department announced several measures to increase the training required of commercial vehicle drivers and improve overall bus safety.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood explained, "These new requirements we are announcing today will help ensure passengers are safe and that carriers and drivers are in full compliance with federal safety regulations."

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will also be increasing the amount of unannounced inspections of buses nationwide. The campaign will focus on frequent destinations like sports venues, parks and casinos.

Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) are also reintroducing federal legislation. The Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2011 seeks to improve bus safety by improving driver training, requiring seat belts and improved seating systems, and mandating anti-ejection windows and crush-resistant roofs.

The two senators previously introduced the bill after serious bus crashes took place in both of their states. A 2007 bus accident in Ohio killed five Bluffton University baseball players; and a 2005 bus explosion in Dallas took the lives of 24 nursing home residents that were being transported out of the path of Hurricane Rita.

Sen. Hutchinson is optimistic the legislation will pass this session. The bill is making progress, and was recently passed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Sources: Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson's bus safety bill wins Senate committee approval; Transportation Department to introduce tougher bus safety measures