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The motorcoach industry is comprised of 4,000 companies, operating 35,000 vehciles. These motorcoaches make nearly 250 million passanger trips annually. Between 2001 and 2010, approximately 17 motorcoach accidents took place on American roadways every year. In 2011, there were eight serious motorcoach accidents, causing a total of 28 occupant fatalities. In addition, these accidents caused serious injury and property damage.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration launches Operation Quick Strike to get unsafe carrier buses and operators off the road.

In early April, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) began “Operation Quick Strike” to investigate passenger carrier buses and shut down those which it deemed to be unsafe. In a news release by the FMCSA, Administrator Anne Ferro stated that the Administration is working diligently in order to get unsafe vehicles and operators off the road because the safety all those who travel on American highways and roads is on the line.

Georgia’s Best Limo Service is second company to be shut down by Operation Quick Strike.

On Friday, FMCSA’s “Operation Quick Strike” ordered Georgia based Best Limo Service to cease its operations immediately. According to FMCSA, Best Limo Service’s drivers and vehicles presented an “imminent hazard to public safety.” The company offered motor coaches and passenger vans for tours and charter services. Best Limo Service is the second company to be ordered out of business under “Operation Quick Strike.” Court documents filed by FMCSA investigators allege that the company was responsible for violating serious safety regulations.

FMCSA investigations revealed that Best Limo Service violated safety regulations for its operators and vehicles.

For example, investigators learned that the company allowed drivers to transport passengers while their commercial driver’s license was suspended. In addition, the investigators found that drivers were allowed to transport passengers when they had previously tested positive for use of controlled substances.

Moreover, Best Limo Service did not have a system for inspecting its vehicles in order to identify safety and maintenance issues on its buses and vans. As a result of the FMCSA investigation, three of the company’s vehicles were put out of service for critical safety violations.

During the course of investigations, Best Limo Service told FMCSA that it employed six drivers. However, FMCSA investigators later learned that the company actually employed 13 drivers. Furthermore, the company failed to maintain proper records for all its drivers. Only one of the 13 drivers had a driver qualification file and half of the company’s driver records of duty status paperwork were missing.

If you or your loved one have been injured in an accident involving a motorcoach, you should contact an attorney immediately. An attorney will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

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