To ensure that tour buses are safe to be on the road, the California Highway Patrol recently ran a mechanical inspection of tour buses traveling through Barstow. The Desert Dispatch reports that CHP mechanics performed checks on every tour bus that stopped near the Tanger Outlet Mall. Mechanics examined the engine, brakes, tires and sewage system of each tour bus and inspected each driver’s license, certification, and logbook.
During the tour bus mechanical check, inspectors discovered a broken brake rotor on one of the wheels of a tour bus. Another tour bus was determined to be un-roadworthy because of small cracks in one of its wheels. In a previous inspection, the CHP had to put a bus out of service because it lacked any front brake shoes, creating an increased potential for brake wear and failure.
When a mechanical flaw is detected during an inspection, the CHP takes the bus off the road, a mobile repair service is contacted to fix the bus, or a replacement bus is brought to the location to transport the tourists. Many of the citations issued at the CHP tour bus inspection are considered “fix-it” tickets since they allow bus operators to fix violations on a bus within a certain span of time before they face a fine.
While tour bus accidents in California do not happen as frequently as other motor vehicle accidents, when they do occur, the consequences can be devastating. Some tour buses do not offer passengers the same type of protection, such as air bags and seat belts, that other motor vehicles do.
As California bus accident lawyers, we are familiar with the many emotional, physical, and financial challenges that bus accident victims face after being involved in a serious accident. Panish Shea & Boyle LLP has the legal resources and experience to handle any motor vehicle accident, including bus collisions. Contact our firm today to learn more about your legal rights. Call 877-800-1700 for a free consultation.
