Bus travel is hailed by many as a safe way to travel; but there are some inherent flaws to buses that still make them quite dangerous, and the bus industry is not exactly a shining example of compliance and safety.

Last year, federal investigators uncovered massive violations by multiple bus providers. Some companies had been shut down under a previous name, and simply reopened days later under a new name with vehicles that were painted a different color. Some companies allowed unfit or undertrained bus drivers to get behind the wheel of their vehicles. And some companies allowed faulty, flimsy buses out on to the road that were in dire need of a tune-up.

Ultimately, it prompted federal officials to reconsider the rules placed on bus companies, a process that is still ongoing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working on some new rules right now that may or may not be a part of this thought process — rules that will hopefully take effect soon, protecting bus riders from unnecessary injury.

The law would require buses to be equipped with seat belts. Current buses would not have to be retrofitted, though that action could be taken if the NHTSA wanted to. The agency also wants to tackle other bus-related safety issues, such as the structural integrity of buses (with an aim towards boosting safety in rollover accidents), bolstered emergency evacuation protocols and improved fire safety.

The new law, expected to be completed by the end of the year, should save many lives and spare families the pain and heartache that too many have suffered due to transit company negligence.

Source: Detroit News, "Feds finalizing new rules that include bus seat belts," David Shepardson, Jan. 17, 2013

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