Just a month after federal investigators shut down 26 bus operators due to safety violations, another tour bus accident has occurred. The crash happened on the Fourth of July holiday along Interstate 95 just outside New York City. The bus was headed to Queens from the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.
According to one report, the bus hit the center median and traveled over three lanes of traffic before sliding along an outer barrier. Authorities say the roads were wet, and it appears the driver was traveling too fast.
All 24 people aboard the bus were taken to area hospitals. The driver sustained the most serious injuries after he was ejected from the bus.
In March 2011, 15 people were killed in a bus accident that occurred just two miles away from the site of this most recent crash. Authorities charged the driver of that bus with manslaughter after it appeared that his lack of sleep was a factor in the crash. He has pleaded not guilty. So far, no criminal charges have been filed against the driver in the Fourth of July crash.
Federal investigators launched an investigation into the motor coach industry after numerous crashes in recent years. Investigators found that certain bus operators did not regularly inspect their buses. Some even allowed driver’s to transport passengers when they did not have a valid commercial driver’s license.
Like all motor vehicle accidents, a bus accident can leave people with severe injuries. Some of those injuries may even be fatal. Fortunately, people who are injured in bus accidents may be able to pursue legal action against any negligent parties through a personal injury lawsuit.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, “Tour bus crash north of NYC sends 24 to hospital,” Associated Press, July 4, 2012
