Whether you are a first-time Greyhound rider or a seasoned pro, you must be concerned about safety. Greyhound buses are a popular and affordable way to travel, but are they safe?
Greyhound’s Safety Record
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Greyhound had a crash rate of 1.63 per million miles traveled in 2020. This is higher than the national average for all buses, which was 1.17 per million miles traveled.
However, it is essential to note that Greyhound is not the only bus company with a higher than average crash rate. In 2020, several other major bus companies also exceeded the national average, including:
| Bus Company | Crash Rate (per million miles traveled) |
|---|---|
| Greyhound | 1.63 |
| Megabus | 1.72 |
| BoltBus | 1.83 |
| Peter Pan Bus Lines | 1.91 |
| Amtrak Thruway | 2.01 |
It is also important to note that the vast majority of Greyhound crashes are minor accidents involving property damage or injuries. In 2020, there were only 10 fatal Greyhound crashes in the United States, resulting in 11 deaths.
Factors That Affect Greyhound’s Safety Record
Several factors can affect Greyhound’s safety record. These include:
- Driver fatigue: Greyhound drivers are often required to work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and decreased reaction times.
- Speeding: Greyhound buses have been cited for speeding more than any other bus company in the United States.
- Lack of seat belts: Greyhound buses do not have seat belts, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Poor maintenance: Greyhound has been cited for several safety violations related to poor maintenance of its buses.
Steps Greyhound Is Taking to Improve Safety
In recent years, Greyhound has taken several steps to improve its safety record. These include:
- Installing seat belts: Greyhound is in the process of installing seat belts on all of its buses.
- Improving driver training: Greyhound has implemented a new driver training program to improve drivers’ skills and knowledge of safety procedures.
- Investing in new technology: Greyhound is investing in new technology to help drivers avoid crashes. This technology includes lane departure warning systems and automatic emergency braking.
Tips for Staying Safe on Greyhound
Here are a few tips for staying safe on Greyhound:
- Choose a safe seat: If possible, choose a seat in the middle of the bus or near the front. These seats are less likely to be involved in an accident.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to what is happening around you and be aware of any potential hazards.
- Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs: Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and reaction time.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Know where the emergency exits are located and have a plan for what you will do in an emergency.
Conclusion
So, are Greyhound buses safe? The answer is that it depends. Greyhound has a higher than average crash rate, but it is taking steps to improve its safety record. By following the tips above, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in a Greyhound bus accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do Greyhound buses crash?
A: Greyhound had a crash rate of 1.63 per million miles traveled in 2020.
Q: What are the most common causes of Greyhound bus crashes?
A: The most common causes of Greyhound bus crashes are driver fatigue, speeding, lack of seat belts, and poor maintenance.
Q: What is Greyhound doing to improve safety?
A: Greyhound is installing seat belts on all of its buses, improving driver training, and investing in new technology to help drivers avoid crashes.
Q: What can I do to stay safe on Greyhound?
A: You can help reduce your risk of being involved in a Greyhound bus accident by choosing a safe seat, being aware of your surroundings, not drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and being prepared for emergencies.