The fatal commercial bus accident that occurred in Virginia last week has spurred officials with the federal government to think about new efforts to better regulate the industry. One requirement that federal lawmakers are considering is a rule that helps prevent commercial truck accidents.

Two U.S. Senators believe that commercial bus drivers should be regulated the way that commercial truckers are regulated in order to avoid future accidents. Truck drivers are required to take a 10 hour break in between shifts and are also required to only drive 11 hours within a 14-hour shift. Under current rules, commercial bus drivers, like those who drive interstate tour buses, must take an eight hour break after driving eight hours within a 15-hour shift. Legislators are in favor of the increased break period because the Department of Transportation could adopt the change without Congress passing new legislation.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration changed the rules for the breaks of truckers from eight to 10 in 2003. The improved rest period has resulted in reduced numbers of commercial truck accidents and reduced numbers of truck accidents linked to driver fatigue. Overall, commercial truck crash rates fell by four percent within one year of the changed rule. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is waiting to receive the results of a bus driver fatigue study which is slated to be released in the fall before it makes a decision on the rule.

The fatal bus accident that occurred in Virginia involved a commercial bus that was headed on an overnight trip from Greensboro, North Carolina to New York City. Fifty-seven passengers were on the bus when it rolled and fifty-three people and the driver were injured from the accident. Four passengers were killed. The bus driver admitted to police he felt fatigued after the accident.

Source: USA Today, "Bus-safety rules examined," Oren Dorell and Thomas Frank, 6/3/11