What Factors Contribute Most in Bus Accidents?

Commuting by public transit is considered to be among the safest ways to get around a big Ohio city like Akron, Cincinnati, Columbus or Cleveland. Unfortunately, common carriers such as bus, taxis and trains have their own share of traffic accidents. Sometimes, these mass transit accidents seriously injure or kill passengers.

Agencies at all levels, however, believe that bus accidents in particular are preventable if owners and operators follow commonsense rules and regulations. In fact, federal agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration contend that bus operators play the biggest role in protecting passengers and motorists from injuries or deaths from public transit accidents. According to the FMCSA, bus operators should avoid several practices when driving their vehicles.

Bus drivers should avoid distracted driving. They should never use mobile devices to talk or text, never eat, never drink, never check maps and never do paperwork while driving.

Drivers should not speed. They should not succumb to pressure from customers or employers to meet a schedule or reach a destination if doing so creates a hazard. Also, they should not operate a vehicle without enough rest to drive safely. Never use GPS devices that are designed specifically for cars.

Bus drivers should always be aware of clearance heights for bridges and underpasses. Always use the right kind of tire for the type of bus and the type of route it will be traveling and never drive on damaged or poorly inflated tires. Drivers should always keep buses properly maintained — this also means keeping up with recalls and manufacturer-required repairs.

Always be aware of side mirrors and how far they extend into traffic and whether they present hazards to other vehicles or pedestrians. Never drive with blocked or poorly functioning emergency exits. Never allow party bus guests to hang out vehicle doors or from rooftop openings.

Ultimately, the safety of passengers relies on a driver’s good sense.