Risk | BUSRide Digital

Shoot for true safety

“Safety that works involves building a collection of small viable actions in a process that is ongoing and always changing. They all add up to what I call true safety.”

Sep 1 2010 | Posted in Safety | Read More »

The ongoing oil tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico is the worst environmental disaster in our country’s history. While we will not know the ultimate cost and result of the spill for many years to come, the spill and the response by British Petroleum (BP) offer some lessons, or hopefully reinforce what we already know.

Aug 1 2010 | Posted in Risk | Read More »

When the rub wears off the tire, where does it go?

The mechanical function of the tire casing is to contain the air pressure that supports the vehicle load, assure the function of the suspension by absorbing road irregularities, resist lateral drifting and centrifugal force, and transmit the torque necessary to move and stop the vehicle.

Jun 1 2010 | Posted in Safety | Read More »

Front tire failures can turn into a catastrophic event

During the summer months operators tend to focus attention on the A/C and cooling systems, and often overlook tire failure as a concern that deserves equal consideration—particularly on the steer axle.

Jun 1 2010 | Posted in Risk,Safety | Read More »

FMCSA promises more punch with CSA 2010

Later this year Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) 2010 and its Safety Measurement System will replace the current Motor Carrier Safety Status Measurement System (SafeStat) used by regulators to identify and target unsafe operators.

Apr 1 2010 | Posted in Compliance,Risk,Safety | Read More »

Action and training close the door to litigation

Rarely does an accident occur at a convenient time or place. How many times has a coach operator answered a call at the worst possible time of the day or night from a driver reporting an accident?

Mar 1 2010 | Posted in Insurance,Risk,Safety | Read More »

Turn customers to the rest of the story

From crashes to enforcement operations, reports indicate there is plenty of room for improvement in ensuring bus operators transport passengers in a safe manner. This industry has always hung its hat on the premise it is the safest form of ground transportation. However, in the mind of the public consumer, events over the past year have assaulted the reputation of motorcoach operators. Well-documented and publicized incidents coupled with the lesser-known and surprisingly high rate of vehicles and drivers placed out-of-service during enforcement blitzes erode the public trust and lend to an adversarial environment for enforcement.

Feb 22 2010 | Posted in Risk | Read More »

Driver error is the issue

Most state transportation departments that conduct commercial vehicle inspections focus primarily on the vehicle, when in fact vehicular issues represent only 5- percent of all moving violations.

Feb 1 2010 | Posted in Risk,Safety | Read More »

Differences and standards prescribe retrofit options

My last column [BUSRide, January-February 2010, Risk Management] focused on the decision many operators could soon face with regard to retrofitting seatbelts to the existing fleet. Such a decision will ultimately come down to several factors that include cost, restraint capabilities, customer demand and risk.

Feb 1 2010 | Posted in Risk,Safety | Read More »

Retrofitted seat belts could come at a price

Last year it became clear that the government would issue a seatbelt mandate for new motorcoaches. This would not come as a complete surprise to the industry given recent high profile fatal accidents involving ejections, and especially the motorcoach-specific crash testing NHTSA has conducted on the effectiveness of passenger restraints.

Jan 1 2010 | Posted in Maintenance,Safety | Read More »