Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility: Drivers, Mechanics & Owners/Management

By Scott Michael & Ken Presley, United Motorcoach Association (UMA)

Scott Michael

When asked to describe their company’s safety program, many owners respond, “We’re compliant with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and have a ‘Satisfactory’ rating.” Great! That’s it? Well, it is a start, but generally compliance will not get you where you want to be.

Just as placing passengers in a tube and propelling them in the air has some inherent risks, everyone in a bus and motorcoach operation must realize that placing passengers in a stainless steel and fiberglass box and hurling them down the road at 70 miles per hour has some inherent risks.

There are no substitutes for a well-trained, well-rested, alert, healthy, reasonably intelligent and ethical driver operating a well-maintained and continually inspected motorcoach. It’s also important to be supported by well-trained, expert mechanics/technicians — and all supervised by exceptionally talented, rational management.

Every individual in a bus and motorcoach company needs to be a risk manager and risk managers are charged with identifying risk, eliminating risk, mitigating risk, or transferring risk.

Generally, identifying risk starts with good common sense with the more subtle techniques learned from other professionals. Eliminating risk can be as simple as an owner determining their company will no longer do overnight trips. Mitigating risk can be instructing everyone to fasten their seatbelt or installing collision avoidance on your motorcoaches. Of course, the classic example of transferring risk is when we purchase insurance therefore transferring our financial risk to the insurance company.

So, let’s take a look at a few items that can make a big difference in a company’s safety program.

Ken Presley

Drivers

Many motor carrier managers and/or owners have an illogical tolerance for driver applicants with speeding violations or maybe the one accident that “was in their personal car.” However, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) reports that every speeding violation increases the likelihood of a crash by 47%, and a past crash, regardless of fault, increases the likelihood of another crash by 113%. These statistics are not a secret; underwriters know them as well. Do you want to decrease the likelihood of a crash? Stop hiring drivers with speeding violations and crashes on their records.

When drivers are providing depositions, they frequently state they feel as though they do not receive enough training. Experienced airline pilots typically receive recurrent training at least annually to maintain proficiency and your drivers deserve nothing less. Training is expensive as it requires pulling the driver out of rotation for multiple days along with a trainer, and at least some of the time will be spent behind the wheel of a coach that is not in revenue service. However, recurrent training of drivers not only reduces crash risk but helps build or restore driver confidence. The added benefit is most drivers perceive training as an investment in themselves and are less likely to leave, reducing turnover.

Mechanics

Mechanics and technicians are largely charged with keeping the fleet running, but there are frequently missed opportunities with time pressures to check things that may prevent a crash or fire. Missing p-clips, loose connections, or dripping fluids are frequent signs of a possible fire. Under the coach, brake linings and steering are easy checks. Tire pressure is the easiest quick check. A properly inflated tire dissipates heat while an underinflated tire is a disaster waiting to happen; particularly on the steer axle. A tire pressure gauge may be the most important tool in the shop for improving safety.

Mechanics/technicians need ongoing training and updates as well as the opportunity to interact with other mechanics/technicians to share information and build relationships. This will enable them to follow the latest safety practices

Owners/Management

Safety starts in the front office where management and owners reside. Has ownership/management provided free reign to all staff to identify and speak up when they see something “that’s not quite right.” Do drivers have the authority to halt a trip if it becomes unsafe to proceed — without repercussions? Can a technician have the authority to say, “That bus is not going out.”

It is also important that management and owners thank drivers, mechanics, and staff for catching the little things and correcting them or bringing it to the attention of management. Frequent get-togethers are a great way to build esprit de corps and recognize those who advance safety. That process can build a feeling of pride, fellowship and common loyalty shared by different members of a company. It’s also good to know that everyone has a stake in delivering safe trips for customers.

In summary, compliance with the regulations remains important but is just the beginning. A proactive approach to safety can make a significant difference in every company.

The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) is North America’s largest association for operators of motorcoach companies providing charter, tour, and regular route services. Founded in 1971, UMA is comprised of professional bus and motorcoach companies supplying transportation services in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico, as well as suppliers, manufacturers, and travel partner members. Headquartered near the Nation’s Capital in Alexandria, VA, UMA is dedicated to protecting and promoting the interests of the entire motorcoach industry and providing its members with programs and services to enhance the success of their operations. More information can be obtained by visiting www.uma.org.