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As Southwest Florida’s population increases, many communities are looking for entertainment options. These options may include day trips in Florida or out-of-state destinations that involve tour buses.

Tour buses are considered relatively safe and appeal to those who want to visit a new place without having to figure out how to get to the destination or where to park once there. Tour passengers can enjoy the scenery rather than focus on the road.

However, tour bus accidents have been increasing in the U.S., and passengers and other motorists traveling around tour buses should do so with caution. In 2019, there were 2,734 fatal bus crashes in which 3,087 people tragically died both as bus passengers and as other motorists traveling the roads with tour buses. They are in jeopardy when bus drivers are negligent and change lanes without taking into consideration their blind spots.

Motorists: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) suggests motorists stay out of bus drivers’ blind spots, pass safely, not tailgate, and anticipate wide turns.   

Travel Planners: The FMCSA recommends all travel planners do their homework and talk with bus companies about their drivers.

• Ask if drivers have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement, which requires additional knowledge and road testing.
• Ask if their drivers have valid medical examiner’s certificates, showing they are medically qualified to operate a bus.
• Ask about drivers’ average number of years of driving experience, and how often the company checks their driving records.
• Ask the operator how it enforces laws against texting or using cell phones while driving and whether it has a driver drug-and alcohol-testing program.

Tour Bus Passengers: Passengers should also be informed if they are taking a tour bus. The FMCSA recommends passengers research the bus company’s safety record before they make a reservation or buy a ticket. Passengers should know the following before booking:

• Is the bus company authorized to operate? Commercial bus operators that carry passengers on trips that go outside a state must have a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number and be authorized to operate by the FMCSA.
• Does the company regularly inspect, maintain, and repair its fleet for safety? Companies should ensure buses are in good repair, and all safety equipment works properly.
• Does the company hire well-qualified, licensed drivers with good safety records, and ensure drivers obey all safety laws? 

Should a tour bus accident occur in Florida, liability may not immediately be clear. Florida tour buses are considered common carriers. Common carriers are vehicles used specifically to transport people or goods from one place to another for compensation. If a passenger is injured in a tour bus accident, a personal injury claim may be made against:

• The tour bus company owner
• The bus driver
• The tour company who contracted to provide the service

“We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. have the experience to assist you if you or a loved one has been injured in a tour bus accident. After seeking medical attention, please call us. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you, and we are available 24/7. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation,” said Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board-Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.