Motorcoaches are the safest form of surface transportation, according to government statistics.

But one injury or fatality is one too many, which is why safety remains ABA’s top priority.

ABA supports a holistic approach to enhancing safety, of which industry action is a critical part. Other critical components of safety enhancement include assertive government crackdowns on rogue operators by enforcing laws already on the books.

Vigorous enforcement of existing laws can yield quantifiable safety results today. ABA supports initiatives that help remove unsafe companies and drivers from the roads; that establish educational benchmarks for drivers; and that makes certain companies entering the industry are knowledgeable and abide by all regulatory requirements.

With respect to technology and safety engineering enhancements or equipment questions, it must be done in a manner that is science-driven. You can’t put a timeline on technological breakthroughs. Any new safety equipment has to be engineered into the vehicle’s architecture.

Other crucial steps to boost safety include enhanced operator safety oversight, more vehicle safety maintenance, and innovative new crash avoidance and occupant protection technologies.

ABA welcomes the opportunity to work constructively with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, FMCSA, NHTSA and other agencies within reasonable, science-driven timeframes to enhance passenger safety.