Using motorcoaches as a means for transportation has grown in popularity in recent years. Motorcoach companies provide a valuable, luxury service to millions every year and traveling by motorcoach is one of the safest ways to get around. However, when a motorcoach accident does occur, it can be extremely dangerous to passengers and financially devastating for your company. In this blog, we will cover the top 5 risks that motorcoach companies face and how to mitigate them.
What Is a Motorcoach?
A motorcoach is a type of bus designed for long-distance travel and is often used for group travel such as field trips, corporate events, or even cross-country tours. They are typically larger than traditional buses and come equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and oftentimes entertainment systems.
Although fatal crashes involving commercial buses have been on the decline in recent years according to the FMCSA, it’s still of the utmost importance for companies that operate motorcoaches to understand the risks involved in the industry..
Top 5 Risks Motorcoach Companies Face
Accidents
The most significant and obvious risk that motorcoach companies face is the probability of accidents. Motorcoaches are very large vehicles that require a skilled, qualified driver to operate. Accidents can occur due to various factors such as driver error, road conditions, or other external factors. When accidents occur, they can seriously injure passengers or employees and be costly in both terms of property damage and liability.
Equipment Failure
Another risk that motorcoach companies face is equipment failure. Motorcoaches require regular maintenance to ensure that they are in good working condition. Failure to properly maintain equipment and conduct regular inspections can result in breakdowns and costly repairs.
Cybersecurity
Believe it or not, motorcoach companies also face the risk of cyber-attacks in today’s digital age. Hackers are able to target motorcoach companies to steal sensitive information or to disrupt normal operations. A cyber-attack can result in data breaches, financial losses, and damage to your company’s reputation.
Driver Shortages
Driver shortages continue to plague the commercial transportation industry. Whether it’s due to an aging population, e-commerce growth, or trouble acquiring new drivers, driver shortages lead to various secondary risks. Motorcoach companies that are short-staffed may have to force drivers to work extra hours which leads to fatigue and an increased chance of an accident. Moreover, it may put your company at risk of violating compliance requirements related to driver hours, rest periods, or other safety requirements.
Employee Injury
Lastly, motorcoach companies face the risk of employee injury. Drivers and other employees working for your company are at risk of injury from accidents, slips, and falls, or even from exposure to hazardous materials. Workplace injuries can result in downtime, costly medical bills, and lawsuits.
Mitigating Risk in the Industry
Before diving into some of the ways to mitigate risk, it’s important to understand the essential insurance coverages your commercial transportation company needs. The following policies are highly recommended for any company operating commercial vehicles:
- Commercial auto insurance
- General liability insurance
- Workers compensation insurance
- Cyber liability insurance
- Property insurance
Once you’ve adequately protected your company with the right insurance, it’s time to instill some safe practices in your company.
Firstly, safety training for all employees is essential. Ensure all employees, most importantly drivers, receive regular safety training that covers defensive driving techniques, equipment operation, and emergency procedures.
It’s equally important to establish regular maintenance schedules for all vehicles your company operates. This will help prevent breakdowns and other equipment failure that can cause accidents.
Take steps to protect your employees from workplace injuries. This includes providing appropriate safety gear, conducting regular safety audits, and implementing practices in your company to prevent injuries or accidents.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to implement cybersecurity measures to protect against the risk of cyber-attacks. This can include acquiring firewalls, antivirus software, and employee training on bringing awareness to cybersecurity.
Be Ready for Speedbumps With RRL Insurance
Although there are many steps companies can take to protect their employees and vehicles, accidents are sometimes out of our control. When they happen, you need the proper insurance coverage in place to financially protect your assets. At RRL Insurance, we understand the ins and outs of the transportation industry and are equipped to protect your company no matter what you need. For more information on our insurance services, please contact us.
