Bus Company in Deadly Bronx Crash Has History of Safety Violations
Investigators looking into a New York bus accident, which killed 15 passengers and critically injured six, have found that the driver, Ophadell Williams, is a convicted felon and that the bus company has had a history of falsifying logs that listed information about drivers' hours and rest periods. According to an Associated Press news report, a bus owned by World Wide Travel, which was making an early morning run from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut to New York's Chinatown went off the roadway and flipped. A pole on the roadway pierced the windshield and tore the bus in half, shearing off its roof.
Officials are still investigating William's claim that he lost control because the bus was clipped by a tractor-trailer which left the scene. But authorities have also gotten reports from passengers that Williams was speeding, dozing off and driving erratically right before the crash. Investigators found that five out of eight random inspections that the bus company had over the last 10 years showed their logs were not current, complete or legible.
Incomplete and Falsified Driver Logs
In one instance, in 2005, the logs had been falsified according to DMV records. Williams has two prior convictions, including one for manslaughter for fatally stabbing another man. Officials say he had a history of speeding and a poor driving record. Williams' log book was incomplete for several days before the crash. Federal law requires commercial drivers to keep a log book to track the number of hours they spend behind the wheel and how many hours they rest.
Vehicle Maintenance Issues
The investigation is also focusing on how the bus company maintained its vehicles and whether that may have played a part in this catastrophic crash. In two instances, one as recent as May 2010, a bus operated by the company in question was taken out of service by state inspectors for safety reasons. In the most recent instance, the engine accessory drive belt was broken and dragging on the highway. In 2005, the bus reportedly had inadequate brakes, worn tires and other mechanical and maintenance issues.
Liability Issues
These violations are just shocking to say the least. This bus accident is bringing attention to budget bus companies, especially those that operate out of ethnic communities, and how they are regulated. It is not clear why this company was not fined or penalized for those serious safety violations. Also, this bus company hired a felon who was convicted of fatally stabbing another person. It is appears that the bus company either did not perform background checks or simply did not care who drove their buses.
Victims of this crash and families of deceased victims no doubt have a claim against the bus company. But it is unlikely that they will receive fair and full compensation from the bus company. An experienced personal injury lawyer will also look into the placement and positioning of the pole that sheared the bus in half. If the pole was positioned in a dangerous manner, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses.
