Bus Safety Tips For Passengers On Charter Buses

By Author: Sheila Dodd
Total Articles: 3
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Having the luxury of a coach bus to transport your group is a very helpful option for moving large amounts of people to a destination at one time. It is also the perfect solution for travelling over shorter distances where a plane ride wouldn't be efficient. Whatever method of transportation your travel coordinator chooses, it is important that the entire group arrive to the destination safely and on time.

There are many ways that a trip coordinator can help prepare the selection and transport of a charter bus to ensure the safety of the riders. It is important that they do their research and understand the qualifications, preparations, maintenance and reputation of the charter bus company that they are looking to hire.

Bus Research/Maintenance

When requesting information from the bus company, ask them if they employ a safety director to oversee the safety compliance of their drivers. Driver compliance includes maintaining a valid CDL Class B with passenger endorsement driver's license with a good driving record and a valid DOT physical on file. A CDL is required in order to drive a commercial vehicle in ...
... all 50 states. The driver must be at least 21 years old to drive with a CDL through multiple states, but can be as young as 18 if the trip taken is within the same state. It is also illegal to operate a commercial vehicle without the possession of a valid CDL.

Also find out what the charter bus company does to maintain their buses. Ask if they have certified mechanics working on their buses and how frequently they are maintained. Charter bus companies should have a regular maintenance routine in place for their buses and should be able to provide you with a detailed log of the work done on an ongoing basis. As with any piece of mechanical equipment, breakdowns can occur but with the proper maintenance, the risk of being left along side the road goes down significantly.

Boarding/Riding

Your driver should be knowledgeable of current road conditions and construction. Take time to discuss the route with your driver prior to departure and any planned restroom and meal stops. Good communication between the group leader and bus driver usually results in a great experience for you and your passengers.

Another idea to ensure the safety of riders is to take inventory for possible needs of riders. Some bus passengers can get easily nauseated from being in an enclosed environment and need fresh air, the front window or in some cases bags for extreme nausea.

Upon entering the bus, stress the importance of riders watching their step as they enter and depart the bus and to use the hand rails. As miniscule as it seems, one of the most disheartening ways to start a trip is by loosing your footing upon entering or exiting the motorcoach. It can be very easy to get caught up in the excitement of going on a trip or even stumbling from carryon baggage.

Before departure, everyone on the bus should be aware of every emergency exit and the responsibilities of the person sitting closest to the exit. While riding in the bus, make sure that have their belongings stored away properly and out of the aisle so that there is a clear path for passengers to safely exit or make their way to the restroom. It is strongly encouraged that passengers to do not use laser points on board the motorcoach as it can cause a distraction to both the driver and other motorist.

The most important part of using a charter bus is to make sure that you keep a very close attendance record of all your riders to make sure that everyone gets to the destination and back home safely.

A charter bus can be an amazing tool for transporting groups to places, but the proper cautions should be taken in order to have a safe and successful trip.

Sheila Dodd is the Marketing Executive of Cardinal Buses, a charter bus company providing trips to Michigan, Indiana and Chicago. Cardinal Buses has charter buses that can transport groups of up to 56 people in one coach and provide charter bus trips to South Bend, Kalamazoo or Chicago. For more details visit http://www.cardinalbuses.com/ and http://www.cardinalbuses.com/services.asp