Ga. Bus Company Ordered Off the Road Due to Unsafe Operations

Georgia-based H & W Tour, Inc., has been ordered to immediately cease all intrastate and interstate passenger service within hours of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uncovering violations “so widespread as to demonstrate a continuing and flagrant general disregard” for the safety of its passengers and the motoring public.

Evidence obtained during a compliance review conducted by FMCSA Safety Investigators disclosed that H & W Tour, Inc., continued transportation of passengers without federal operating authority and without the required level of insurance.

The company failed to conduct pre-employment drug tests on its drivers and institute a random drug and alcohol testing program as required by federal regulations.

The company failed to ensure that its drivers comply with hours-of-service requirements, records of duty requirements and driver’s qualification requirements.

Buses were not properly inspected, maintained or repaired by the company as required by federal regulations.

The Imminent Hazard Out of Service order stated, “Individually and cumulatively, these violations and conditions of operation substantially increase the likelihood of serious injury or death to H & W Tour drivers, passengers and the motoring public.”

The order directs H & W Tours buses currently on the road to “proceed to their next immediate destination where the passengers can be safely accommodated.

Source: Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration