The terrible bus crash last winter in the Bronx is leading to new proposals to improve commercial bus safety. The proposals include requiring buses to have seat belts, stronger windows and roofs, stabilizers to prevent rollovers, and stepped-up monitoring of driver performance.
Fatal New York Crash
In the early hours of March 14, a bus returning to New York from a Connecticut casino flipped onto its side and crashed into a roadsign support on I-95. The post sliced through the roof of the bus and 15 passengers were killed. Many others were injured.
The driver, Oferdel Williams, initially stated that he believed a tractor trailer caused the crash. But new evidence from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) suggests that driver error was the culprit. Specifically, Williams falling asleep at the wheel is very likely what led to the accident. NTSB officials also say that there was no evidence of a tractor trailer hitting the bus.
Only a few days later, another fatal bus accident occurred - this time on the New Jersey Turnpike. Two people were killed and more than forty people were injured. The U.S. Department of Transportation took action to shut down the bus company involved, which was in violation of insurance requirements.
Proposals to Improve Bus Safety
This time, Congress may finally act to improve bus safety. Last year, Congress was on the verge of doing so, but Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn blocked it at the last minute.
The Senate subcommittee has heard testimony on proposed legislation that would change the way buses are designed so that they can withstand severe crashes and give passengers greater protection. The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that commercial buses be built with stronger roofs, have windows redesigned, and have improved seating standards. Additional recommendations include crash-warning technologies and increased oversight of commercial vehicles and drivers.
Statistics show that rollovers and passenger ejections are the leading causes of death in bus accidents. Proponents of new safety regulations suggest that uniform standards would save lives and prevent rogue bus lines from avoiding safety checks.
Cost Considerations
Quite naturally, bus companies have expressed concern about how much improved safety standards for buses would cost. But given the number of bus passengers every year, it would only add a few pennies to every ticket to install technology that is sure to save lives.
Greyhound, the nation's largest bus line, has already begun installing lap-and-shoulder belts on its new buses. The cost has not been prohibitive, adding $10,000 to $12,000 to the total price of a bus that costs about $500,000.
Cars have seat belts. Trucks have seat belts. Airplanes have seatbelts. Surely it is now time that buses did too, as they already do in Australia and Europe.
If you have been injured in a bus accident, or someone in your family has been killed, talk to a New York personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you understand what legal recourse you may have to pursue compensation for your injuries.
