Bus Drivers Asleep at the Wheel in DC

Drivers these days have a lot to watch out for:  congested highways; windy, poorly lit roads; confusing construction zones; inexperienced, distracted and intoxicated drivers — these all pose a hazard to drivers every day.   As if that were not enough, now there is evidence that some bus drivers in the Washington DC area have actually been caught – on camera – asleep at the wheel! DC’s Metro started installing cameras in its buses in August of 2010 and has recorded 67 operators dozing since then.  In nearly half of these incidents, the drivers were working what is known as a “swing shift” where the driver works the morning rush hour, has a couple hours break, and then returns for the afternoon rush.  The result of these sometimes 16 hour days is drivers who cannot keep their eyes open.

“It is not ok for our city’s bus drivers to be sleepy on the job.  It places every one of us in danger, and that actually goes against the law! Transportation providers like buses subways, trains, railroads, ferries, and shuttle services fall under the category of Common Carrier and as such are held to a higher standard when it comes to preventing harm to innocent victims. This means that it is Metro’s duty to protect the public by providing safe conditions on its buses.”

Metro itself acknowledges that some of its drivers’ work schedules do not permit adequate rest and sleep.   While Metro is looking into ways to reduce driver fatigue, their plea to bus riders?  Metro asks riders to stay alert, keep their eyes open, and wake a sleeping driver! But Bus Accident Lawyer Landau says that is not enough!

“It is the common carrier’s responsibility to keep the public safe.”

If you or someone you know has been in an accident involving negligence of a common carrier like a bus, train, ferry, subway, or shuttle service and there are questions as to what laws apply, email or call ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. at once (703-796-9555).  There are time limits to when a case can be filed, so contact us right away!