Bus Safety and You – Basic Do’s and Don’ts When Traveling on a Charter Bus

If you’ve decided to hire a charter bus, here are a few tips to ensure any trip you take with your motor coach provider is a safe one.

• You’ll want to find out licensing and certification (if any) what requirements a bus company sets for its drivers. A driver at a minimum must possess a valid state driver’s license as a well as a current and valid commercial driver’s license.
• Check with your charter company to see if the firm provides any regular training for its drivers. While not absolutely required, give points to the company if it does this.
• Ask the company how long it requires its drivers to rest between assignments. You certainly don’t want a drowsy driver!
• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) advises that passengers keep hands and feet out of the bus’ aisle at all times. This includes items you carry on, such as coats, purses/backpacks/briefcases/luggage, cameras, toys, and so on. Many buses offer overhead storage bins, but beware — sudden stops can make heavy items literally fly off shelves.
• If you need to stand up or walk the aisles, use seatbacks or overhead supports to stay steady.
• Obey the bus driver at all times.
• If unsure of their location, ask the driver to point out where the emergency exits are.
• It’s also wise to ask the driver to give the passengers some bus safety tips, such as how to open doors and windows in an emergency.
• Ask him or her to point out where the fire extinguishers and medical first aid kits are located.
• Ask the charter company how often the buses receive routine and major maintenance.
• Does the driver have numbers and names of towing companies and qualified mechanics available en route? Or does the charter company have other arrangements made in case of a breakdown or accident? It’s wise to ask before you start your trip.
• Check that the bus has a proof of insurance certificate displayed in an easy-to-see spot. This can come in very handy in case of an emergency.

If you’d like more information on Preferred Motorcoach Transportation bus safety processes and procedures, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!