NTSB releases recommendations related to motorcoach crash

Jul 27, 2009

The National Transportation Safety Board on May 29 made seven recommendations related to a motorcoach crash that resulted in nine fatalities in January 2008.

The recommendations address emergency coordination and prevention of large-scale rural transportation accidents, derived from the Jan. 6, 2008, motorcoach crash in Mexican Hat, UT. NTSB concluded the driver of the motorcoach experienced diminished alertness due to inadequate sleep, which led to his lack of awareness of the excessive speed and lane position on a downhill mountain grade.

One recommendation addressed motorcoach industry contingency plans to ensure trip planning to prevent driver fatigue, incapacitation or illness. Two others are addressed to the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services:

• Develop a plan for state and public safety to pursue funding for enhancements of wireless communication coverage to facilitate prompt accident notification and emergency response along high-risk rural roads and roads well-traveled by large bus traffic.
• Evaluate the system of emergency care response to large-scale transportation-related rural accidents, then develop guidelines for emergency medical service response and provide guidelines to states.