FMCSA Steps Up Inspections for Buses and Trucks Traveling into Texas

In an effort to make the roads across the United States safer, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) awarded $8 million in federal grants to Pennsylvania and $350,000 to the North Dakota Department of Transportation. The funds will be used to increase safety inspections, especially on high-crash corridors.

After a rash of serious bus accidents, including one in Texas, the FMCSA came under fire for allowing bus companies who were not meeting regulations to continue operating. Subsequent inspections have revealed that bus drivers are not properly logging their hours and are driving for longer periods of time than they are allowed. Other safety concerns include the safety of the buses being operated and maintenance being performed on the buses.

More than 750 million passengers travel via motorcoaches, and the FMCSA expects that with high gas prices, this number will only grow. "We owe it to the traveling public to protect the safety of our roadways," said Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. He added that, "These grants empower our Pennsylvania partners with the vital resources they need to raise the bar for commercial truck and bus safety, and to swiftly remove unsafe operators from the road."

More surprise bus safety and driver inspections will be made thanks to the funding. And the FMCSA hopes that passengers will conduct research to determine which bus companies have the best safety records, before buying their tickets. More information about bus safety can be found at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.