According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. Department of Transportation released its Motorcoach Safety Action Plan on November 16, 2009.  The plan lays out steps for improving motorcoach safety and addresses other major safety issues such as driver fatigue, vehicle rollover and oversight of unsafe carriers to name a few.

Every year, approximately 19 motorcoach occupants are killed in motorcoach crashes, according to data collected by the DOT’s NHTSA. According to an NHTSA press release:

The comprehensive action plan announced today proposes enhanced regulatory oversight of new and high risk motorcoach operators, as well as the increased use of new technologies. To address driver distraction, it proposes to initiate rulemaking to prohibit texting and limit the use of cellular telephones and other devices by motorcoach drivers. It also discusses requiring electronic on-board recording devices on all motorcoaches to better monitor drivers’ duty hours to address fatigue, and enhanced oversight of unsafe carriers.

It is nice to see someone taking steps towards making the roads just a little more safe and enjoyable for the rest of us.  Hopefully the plan will work well. To see the details of the NHTSA’s plan, click here.

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