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Unsafe Trucking and Bus Companies Continue to Operate, Increase Risk of Accidents

A study released by the Government Accountability Office last month revealed a shocking fact. Hundreds of trucking and bus companies have been able to operate under different names after they had been ordered to shut down for drug testing violations, unlicensed drivers, and other federal violations.

The report found that at least 20 of the approximately 220 commercial bus companies that had been ordered to shut down in 2007 and 2008, continued to operate under different names. Last year, a bus accident in Texas killed 17 people, and was traced to the use of retreaded tires on the front wheels. The bus skidded off the highway in what was one of the deadliest bus accidents in recent years. The bus company in that accident had evaded compliance by re-registering the company under a new name. The GAO report says that the practice of setting up the same company under a new name to escape fines and avoid compliance, continues to be rampant. The report found offenders not only in California, but also Arizona, Arkansas, Maryland, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, New York and Washington. In all the cases, the violators had dozens of violations against them. These violations involve operating without licenses, failing to test drivers for drug and alcohol use and other violations. These companies owed fines amounting to tens of thousands of dollars.

Apart from this, the GAO report says at least another 1,073 commercial trucking companies are also possibly reincarnated companies, or older companies with poor safety standards, setting up shop under new names. These companies often used the same address, owner names and contact numbers. As many as 500 of these trucks and bus companies were believed to be in operation as recently as July of this year.

This practice of hiding an old company with violations and fines against it, under a new name, is not new. California bus accident lawyers for years have been discussing stricter measures that can identify these rogue companies that continue to operate under new names. These companies blatantly violate safety rules regarding bus maintenance, drivers experience and training, and licensing standards, and are therefore, at a higher risk of accidents.

California truck accident attorneys often see these accidents are caused by the failure of the trucking company to adhere to standards by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The presence of a large number of commercial buses and trucks on our highways in violations of safety standards poses a serious risk to the safety of motorists.

Often, truck accidents can be traced to malfunctioning and defective parts. Defective wheels, loose lug nuts and other problems with tires, brakes, steering wheels can cause serious tractor trailer accidents. Besides, trucking and bus companies are required to follow federal standards for hiring of drivers and random drug and alcohol testing of operators. It’s how trucking companies can contribute to traffic and motorist safety. Failure to obey these safety rules can have devastating consequences, and it’s innocent motorists and bus passengers who suffer.

The Reeves Law Group is a law firm with offices throughout California dedicated exclusively to the representation of personal injury victims, including victims of truck accidents. Please visit our website at trlglaw.com. If you desire a free consultation on a personal injury matter, please call us at (800) 644-8000 or email us.

The Reeves Law Group is not acting as legal counsel for any party in the matters discussed in this posting.

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