Tour buses provide a convenient and enjoyable way for groups to travel and sightsee. However, bus crashes can and do occur, often with devastating consequences.
There were 48,204 bus accidents in the US during 2021, some of which would have been linked to tour buses. That same year, a rock band called Sleep Signals were forced to cut their tour short after the bus they were passengers in was involved in a serious crash. And going further back in time, Joyce “Dottie” Rambo, a member of the Nashville Hall of Fame, was killed when her tour bus left the highway and struck an embankment near Mount Vernon in Missouri.
In Missouri, there are several common factors that contribute to tour bus crashes on the state’s roadways.
Driver Error
One of the leading causes of fatal bus crashes in Missouri is driver error. Bus drivers spend long hours on the road which can lead to driver fatigue. Drowsy or inattentive driving diminishes reaction time and judgement, making accidents more likely.
Other examples of driver error include speeding, aggressive driving, distraction from mobile devices, and failure to adjust driving for weather or road conditions. Tour bus drivers must remain alert and focused at all times in order to safely transport passengers. Proper training, adherence to hour-of-service regulations, and zero tolerance policies for cell phone use can help reduce driver-related bus crashes.
Equipment Failure
Mechanical defects and equipment malfunctions are another cause of Missouri tour bus accidents. Buses that lack proper maintenance and repairs are prone to tire blowouts, brake failure, fires, and other critical problems that can lead to loss of vehicle control.
Regular inspections and immediate repairs of any deficient equipment are vital for buses servicing Missouri tours and travelers.
Poor Road Conditions
Missouri’s varied terrain and seasons mean tour bus drivers must contend with many types of hazardous road conditions. Snow, ice, heavy rain, and high winds can all make driving treacherous. Buses have higher centers of gravity, so they are more prone to rollover or skidding accidents in inclement weather. Rural roads with narrow lanes, tight curves, and steep grades also pose risks.
Defensive driving techniques, speed limits, and cautions about road hazards are critical components of bus safety.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Unsafe speeding is a major factor in many Missouri tour bus crashes. With groups often trying to adhere to tight schedules, drivers may exceed speed limits and drive aggressively to stay on time. High speeds reduce reaction times and control, while greatly increasing crash severity in the event of a collision.
In cases where other motorists are driving aggressively around a tour bus, the bus driver must avoid responding in kind. Their responsibility is to drive defensively and protect passengers from harm. Enforcing prudent driving policies for tour bus companies can help curb harmful speeding.
Driver Fatigue
Long drives and irregular schedules take a toll on tour bus drivers. Drowsy or sleeping drivers cause thousands of preventable crashes each year. Missouri’s I-70 corridor is a major cross-country route traversed by many tour buses, where accumulated driver fatigue can be dangerous.
Adhering to hour-of-service regulations, scheduling adequate rest breaks, and monitoring driver alertness are key to combatting fatigue.
Poor Occupant Safety
Injuries sustained in tour bus crashes may be exacerbated by poor occupant protection. Passengers can be injured if seats are poorly constructed or installed. Lack of proper seat belts or use of lap belts instead of 3-point harness systems can also amplify crash injuries. Rollover accidents are especially dangerous without proper occupant restraints.
Buses carrying Missouri tourists should meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for seats, seat belts, roof strength, window glazing, and emergency exits. Passengers must also be informed how to properly use safety features. Enhanced occupant protection improves survivability in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Driver Regulations
There are a few key regulations that govern tour bus driver hours in Missouri:
- The federal hours-of-service regulations put limits on driving time for passenger-carrying drivers. Drivers are limited to 10 hours of driving time within a 15 hour period after coming on duty. They must then have at least 8 hours off duty before their next shift.
- Drivers are required to keep a log book recording their duty status and hours. These logs can be audited to check for compliance with hours-of-service rules. Electronic logging devices are increasingly being used to automate and synchronize logging.
- Within the 15 hour driving window, federal rules mandate breaks of at least 30 minutes after 8 hours of driving. Missouri state law also requires an additional 20 minute rest period after 5 hours of driving.
- Missouri follows the federal maximum drive time of 10 hours but has an exception allowing up to 12 hours of drive time for drivers that exclusively operate within 100 air miles of their normal work location. This applies to some tour bus drivers.
- For trips over 150 air miles, Missouri requires that there be at least two qualified drivers sharing driving duties. This helps accommodate required rest periods.
- Missouri regulations prohibit tour bus driver shifts exceeding 12 hours in any one 24 hour period. At least 8 hours of rest are required between shifts.
- Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have the appropriate commercial license for their vehicle class. Missouri also requires tour bus drivers over 65 to submit annual medical exam reports.
Compliance with these tour bus driver hour-of-service regulations improves road safety and reduces driver fatigue. Both companies and drivers can be liable for violations.
Proper driver training, credentialing, and scheduling along with well-maintained equipment, safe driving practices, and occupant protections all work together to protect tour groups on Missouri’s highways. While bus travel is statistically very safe, increased awareness of common crash factors can help companies and policy makers make further safety improvements. Caution, preparation and prevention on the part of tour bus operators are the keys to avoiding tragic crashes in the Show Me State.
If you’ve been involved in a tour bus crash in Missouri, get in touch. We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597.