We have seen several bus accidents that were the result of the professional driver's inattention. We've had a few fatal truck accidents this year, with this most recent one in Wyoming making recent headlines today.
With several pending pieces of regulation pending, events such as these hurt the industry. We need to help ourselves. The trucking industry has never been safer since the new HOS regulations have been in place. The bus industry, on the other hand, still operates under the old rules.
Having spent a few hours in a courtroom working for the defense, I've a few suggestions. Consider every hire. If you are forced to defend yourself in a suit, you'll need to answer some basic questions about all of your drivers. Did you contact references? How hard did you try? Defend your drug and alcohol program. Are you consistent?
How is your dispatch? Have you ever knowingly dispatched someone over hours? How do your dispatchers treat your drivers?
What is your company policy concerning speed? Do you have a speed policy in writing? Does your speed policy have a company speed limit, and do you tell drivers to observe the posted speed limit or the company limit - whichever is less?
Review your vehicle maintenance program, as if every vehicle in your fleet has the potential to be involved in an accident.
Carefully consider your exposure, limit the use of your vehicles if they're not producing revenue.
It's not just about limiting tragedies. Sometimes you're the innocent victim of someone else's negligence. Even in these cases, you need to have your business in order.
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