New York DOT is Working to Keep Buses Safe Commercial buses are quickly becoming one of the most-used

forms of public transportation. While theyre an economical and often expedient means of transportation, they can also pose safety threats. A commercial bus that departed from Chinatown in New York City, for instance, recently crashed and killed 15 people. There is no room for negligence. The New York State Department of Transportations commercial bus inspection program aims to curtail that number and ensure that passenger buses are as safe as possible. The inspection program requires that each bus be reviewed every six monthsand that applies to every bus operating in the state, not just those operated by the government. That is just the beginning. The bus inspection program is administered by the states Office of Modal Safety & Security. A representative from NYSDOT goes to the bus owners facility to conduct the inspection, during which the inspector gauges each vehicles safety and operational integrity. Which Buses, Specifically, are Inspected? From school buses to charter buses, every bus must meet NYSDOT standards, and most are subject to inspections. The states goal is to increase passenger safety while minimizing risk, though the potential for an accident never completely goes away. NYSDOT conducts routine inspections of: School buses, such as those transporting passengers to and from school, whether they are buses for-hire or those owned and operated by the school system; State-owned buses, specifically vehicles or passenger populations for which the USDOT or NYSDOT has issued or requires a special permit; Franchised buses that are owned by a transportation company that is doing business in the state and is subject to any city ordinance, local law or ordinance, or any other requirement pursuant to the New York State Transportation Law; and Double-decker buses, which are used for sightseeing and which are regulated by the New York City Office of Community Affairs.

An inspection normally takes around 60 to 90 minutes to complete, according to NYSDOT. The exact time depends upon the size and type of the vehicle being inspected. The initial inspection of a new vehicle takes longer. If a bus fails its inspection, the owner must take it out of service until its condition meets state standard. In addition to inspecting the vehicle, NYSDOT inspects each vehicles maintenance records and driver inspection reports. The agency also reviews the bus operators preventative maintenance program. Passing or Failing an Inspection

Sections 720 and 721 of the New York State transportation code govern vehicle inspections. A commercial bus falls into one of three categories if it doesnt pass inspection, the most serious of which results in it being placed out of service. They are: A rated defect, which results in the vehicle being placed out of service until the defect is repaired and the vehicle then passes a re-inspection; B rated defect, which means the vehicle can stay in operation, but the defect must be repaired before it can carry passengers; and C rated defect, which means the vehicle can stay in operation but the defect must be repaired within 15 days of the original inspection.

Of the 154,000 annual inspections that NYSDOT performs each year, 80 percent are on school buses. If a vehicle operator feels a vehicle in his or her fleet has been erroneously marked as defective, the inspection can be appealed. Why Inspect Buses and Operators? Passengers on commercial buses and school buses place a lot of trust in both the driver and the bus itself. Bus inspection is essential because it ensures that each bus is up to par. Sometimes, however, dangerous buses make it onto New York roadways. At least three bus accidents have occurred in New York in 2012 alone. In July 2012, a bus traveling in Harlem was involved in a crash with a delivery truck and a gasoline tanker. A bus whose route originated in Chinatown crashed in June 2012; the bus had been issued hundreds of safety citations. In March 2012, a bus crashed while returning to Chinatown from a Connecticut casino. The bus itself wasnt to blamethe driver was. Not only did he have a questionable criminal background, he may have also fallen asleep at the wheel. Routine inspections aim to minimalize such problems and make buses safer for everyone. About Davis, Saperstein & Salomon If you or a loved one has been injured, or if a loved one has been killed, as a result of a commercial bus crash, consult a qualified attorney. The legal staff at the law firm of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. are experienced personal injury lawyers who handle cases in New York and New Jersey. Call our office at 1 (800) LAW-2000 or visit our website, where you may complete our online contact form. These articles are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.