What Causes Greyhound Bus Accidents?

Public transport, particularly those involving significant carriers like Greyhound, often has multiple contributing factors. These crashes can result in severe injuries, property damage, or even fatalities. Driver fatigue, mechanical failures, hazardous road conditions, and other vital issues frequently trigger these catastrophes. At Cloward Trial Lawyers, we’ve represented many victims of bus-related incidents, guiding them through the legal process and helping secure appropriate compensation. In this post, we’ll explore the most common causes of bus tragedies, providing insights into why they happen and how they can be avoided.

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Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Driver Fatigue

A prevalent issue in these situations. Long hours behind the wheel without sufficient rest can significantly impair a driver’s focus, reaction time, and decision-making abilities. Fatigued drivers are far more likely to make errors, such as veering off the road or overlooking hazards. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), tiredness contributes to many commercial vehicle crashes. Violations are still common despite strict regulations limiting work hours, especially in long-distance bus services like Greyhound.

Poor Maintenance

Another major factor is maintenance. Buses require frequent inspections to ensure that they are safe to operate. Mechanical issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can lead to accidents, many of which could have been avoided with proper upkeep. As TruckInfo states, about 12% of accidents result from mechanical failures, underscoring the importance of routine maintenance checks. Unfortunately, some companies prioritize cost-cutting over safety, neglecting critical repairs that could prevent severe damage.

Bus Fires

While less common than other causes, fires are particularly dangerous when they do occur. Engine overheating, electrical system failures, or improperly stored flammable materials can cause it. This action can quickly engulf the bus, leaving little time for passengers to escape, especially if emergency exits are blocked or inaccessible. Regular maintenance and safety inspections play a vital role in blaze prevention, yet some companies neglect these essential measures, jeopardizing passenger safety.

Distracted Driving

Whether texting, adjusting the GPS, or engaging in conversation with passengers, any distraction behind the wheel takes a driver’s attention away from the road and is a significant concern. Even a brief lapse in focus can be enough to cause a serious collision. As the FMCSA mentions, this action is one of the leading factors in bus crashes. Despite regulations against mobile phone use, carelessness remains a persistent threat.

Speeding

Exceeding speed limits is a common factor in bus accidents. Buses traveling too fast are harder to control, require more time to stop, and are more prone to inflicting grave injuries in the event of a collision. A bus’s substantial size and weight intensify the repercussions, heightening the risk of a disastrous outcome. Although strict speed limits are established for buses, compliance is not always observed, particularly when drivers feel pressured to adhere to tight schedules. 

Upholding speed regulations is vital for safeguarding passenger safety and significantly lowering the risk of road incidents.

Human Error

Driver mistakes are common, such as misjudging distances, making improper turns, or failing to yield, which are just a few errors that can lead to crashes. These errors are responsible for a significant number of bus accidents, but regular training and adherence to safety protocols can help minimize these. Even experienced drivers can make them, especially under stressful or unfamiliar conditions.

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Road Conditions

Hazardous conditions, including wet, icy, or uneven surfaces, as well as insufficiently marked construction zones, significantly contribute to risky situations for drivers. Due to their size and weight, buses are more complicated to control under such circumstances, increasing the chance of collisions. FMCSA data reveals that these conditions, particularly during inclement weather or on poorly maintained highways, frequently play a role in bus-related crashes. These dangers are compounded when drivers are already navigating difficult terrain, making the need for heightened caution and proactive safety measures essential for avoiding accidents.

Alcohol Impairment

Although rare among professional bus drivers, alcohol consumption can still play a role in some crashes. Driving under the influence is strictly prohibited, but intoxicated drivers can still slip through the cracks. This significantly reduces a driver’s ability to make quick decisions, react to road hazards, and maintain control of the vehicle. Despite routine testing and strict regulations, some drivers still make the irresponsible choice to drink before getting behind the wheel. In agreement with the National Institutes of Health, even small amounts of alcohol can impair a driver’s performance, especially in large vehicles.

Contact Cloward Trial Lawyers for Help After a Bus Accident

Take the first step toward recovery and justice after this situation. Our experienced team at Cloward Trial Lawyers offers empathetic support and skilled legal guidance to help you through this challenging time. We’re committed to securing the compensation you deserve and helping you rebuild your life. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Benjamin P. Cloward

In 2016, at the age of 37, Benjamin P. Cloward became the youngest lawyer in the history of the State of Nevada to be awarded the prestigious “Trial Lawyer of the Year” by the Nevada Justice Association. That same year, he became the youngest member of the Nevada, Las Vegas Chapter of ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates), and at the time was also the youngest person in the State of Nevada to be Board Certified as a Personal Injury Specialist.

Practice areas: personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, Greyhound bus accidents, and walk-in tub accidents.
Location: Las Vegas, NV

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