Characteristics of interstate motorcoach carriers with elevated rates of crashes and inspection violations

Widely-publicized fatal motorcoach crashes have caused public concern about their safety. This study estimated crash and violation rates among interstate motorcoach carriers based on 2005-2011 data obtained from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Motorcoach carriers with relatively high crash and violation rates were compared with those with better safety records. The principal component analysis produced three orthogonal factors that captured the majority (63 percent) of the total variance in the data set. Motorcoach carriers operating 10 or fewer motorcoaches were more likely to be classified in both the high crash rate and the high inspection and violation rates group. Those carriers with 10 or fewer years in business were more likely to be classified in the high inspection and violation rates group. The vast majority of motorcoach carriers with problematic safety records were non-scheduled route providers (charters). Scheduled-service motorcoach carriers identified as providing at least occasional curbside service, defined as picking up or dropping off passengers at a place other than a traditional terminal at the origin or destination, had an increased risk of involvement in fatal crashes compared with other scheduled-service carriers (1.4 per 100 vehicles, 95% C.I.: 0.1-2.7 versus 0.2, 95% C.I.: 0.0-0.5). The data did not indicate whether crashes or violations occurred during the trips where curbside service was provided. These findings suggest that FMCSA and the states need to have the resources necessary for close monitoring of motorcoach carriers, particularly high-risk ones such as small and less experienced motorcoach carriers.