Official Proposes New Safety Measures For Tour Buses
WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was proposing tougher penalties for rogue tour bus operators and policy changes to make it easier to put them out of business.
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The proposals were among a number of steps aimed at improving tour bus safety announced by LaHood on Thursday.
The move follows a spate of tour bus accidents in the Tri-State region, including the devastating March 12 crash which killed more than a dozen people returning from a Connecticut casino.
Another proposal would require companies to pass a safety audit before receiving federal operating authority. The audit would include an interview of the company's owners and a safety examination of the company's drivers and vehicles.
Drivers also could lose their commercial licenses if they violate drug and alcohol laws while operating a vehicle other than a bus.
LaHood's announcement does not include requirements for seat belts and reinforced roofs and windows that safety experts say would make most bus accidents survivable.
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