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The U.S. Department of Transportation announced new safety rules for long-distance buses earlier this month. The rules come in the wake of a fatal bus crash that killed 15 people in New York City. Federal regulators created the rules to increase regulation on drivers and new bus companies.
According to the rules, new bus lines are required to undergo safety audits before they can sell their first ticket. In addition, bus drivers would risk losing their commercial licenses if they violate drug and alcohol laws even while operating their personal vehicles. There will also be a national database to track the results of bus drivers’ alcohol and drug tests. The bus drivers’ union has long argued that better pay for drivers would prevent drivers from exceeding the maximum number of hours allowed and result in better safety records.
The American Bus Association (ABA) applauded the rules. The ABA represents existing bus companies that are not subject to the new rules and safety audits. Bus companies and state transportation agencies have three years to comply with the new federal regulations.
Contact a Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you suffer injuries in a bus accident. William Lightfoot is an experienced Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P. who can help you recover fair financial compensation from the responsible parties.