Santana Busline, Inc., Springfield-based, has been ordered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to cease unauthorized interstate passenger services immediately. The company was also declared to be a serious hazard to public safety. It was busted for failing to make sure that its vehicles and drivers comply with federal safety regulations.
Our Springfield personal injury attorneys understand that many locals and out of towners have relied on this company. Ir runs its services through Springfield, New York City and Hartford. What we don’t expect when hiring these kinds of companies are to be put at unnecessary risk. We turn to these companies with the thought that they’re working with safe equipment and qualified drivers. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
“We won’t allow the traveling public to be put at risk by unsafe bus operators,” said Ray LaHood, U.S. Transportation Secretary. “We will take swift action when we uncover companies that ignore our federal safety regulations.”
Back in October, the company was denied DOT operating authority to transport any passengers on the interstate. It was denied this authorization because of its close affiliation with Santana Xpress, Inc., which was another company that was put out of service by the FMCSA. It didn’t get a good safety rating and refused to pay the civil penalties that accompanied violations.
Earlier this year, in January, Santana Busline was working with unmarked passenger vans. It was those vans that sparked an investigation and it was determined that the company was working without the proper authority and without meeting the minimum federal safety regulations.
Drivers weren’t meeting the hours-of-service requirements, meaning that they were overworked and tired behind the wheel — serving up serious risks for drowsy driving accidents. The company was also busted to allowed under-qualified persons to operate buses and for neglecting to inspect the buses properly. They equipment also was not properly repaired or maintained.
We’ve got to keep busing companies like Santana Busline off of our roadways — our safety relies on it. If you encounter an unsafe company, you’re asked to file a report with the FMCSA.
If you’re planning a trip with a busing company, you should do your homework. Make sure you look into the safety reports of these companies and check to make sure they’re following federal regulations. The lowest fare doesn’t always mean the safest ride. You can check these ratings and other important safety information by using the FMCSA’s Safer Bus App. With this app, users can easily access a bus company’s safety performance record or file a complaint. You can also check a company’s authority and insurance status, safety performance records as well as its safety results.
The SaferBus app is available through the Apple iTunes App store and was developed by the FMCSA for the iPad and iPhone. The app is free. All you have to do is enter the name of a bus company, or the company’s U.S. DOT number or Motor Carrier (MC) number, and you can access information related to that company in the database. This is going to allow you to review information about a company’s safety performance and whether or not the company is legally “allowed to operate.”
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact Massachusetts Injury Attorney Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333.
More Blog Entries:
Harvard Bus Accident Injures 35 Passengers, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, February 25, 2013
Seven Passengers in Hospital after Massachusetts Bus Accident, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, July 18, 2011