Driver Fatigue Leads to Tragic Bus Accident

The following incident, although it occurred in another state, is a tragedy that we all can learn a lesson from. According to the Associated Press, just this past month, a tragic bus accident happened an hour before dawn in Virginia where the driver fell asleep at the wheel of a bus that was carrying over fifty passengers. The driver veered off the highway when he dozed off and tried to swerve back onto the road but hit an embankment and the bus overturned. Dozens of passengers were injured and four were killed. The driver is in jail without bond and is being charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Driver Fatigue Poses Danger

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, studies on commercial accidents show that between 13% and 31% of commercial accidents are a direct result of driver fatigue. Safety advocates, sleep scientists and labor leaders claim that the root cause of the accident was really the industry placing drivers on the road with not enough rest at hours when the body naturally wishes to sleep and deadlines must be met, regardless.

Consequently, the President of the Amalgamated Transit Union states that the industry is filled with individuals driving who are not getting enough sleep and lives are placed in danger. Court documents revealed a passenger overhearing a cell phone conversation by the driver of the accident stating that he was tired and didn't have much turn-around time between trips.

President of American Bus Association's Views

Motor coach travel has soared in popularity over the past decade and according to the President of the American Bus Association, Pete Pantuso, fatalities are mainly caused by a small handful of operators who ignore safety regulations in order to save money. When they get shut down, they simply turn around and re-open under another name. This apparently was the case with the company in the above incident; they were ordered to shut down right after the crash and opened up shortly thereafter in another name.

Seek Legal Advice If in an Accident

If you have been injured in a bus accident as a result of negligent or careless driving in the Long Beach area, you need to contact a  Long Beach personal injury lawyer immediately. Any injuries you sustained deserve to be compensated or in the case of death, the family deserves compensation for the loss. At the Law Office of Leonard Matsuk, we are experienced and competent in representing clients who have been injured in accidents including bus accidents. We are aggressive and skilled at negotiating for the highest amount possible to cover the expenses you now face. 

Contact a Long Beach bus accident lawyer in our office to set up a free initial consultation and we will go over the details of your case.