Pre-Trip Safety Information for Motorcoach Passengers, 50971-50973 [06-7182]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 166 / Monday, August 28, 2006 / Notices 31315, each of the 19 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (64 FR 40404; 64 FR 66962; 67 FR 17102; 69 FR 51346; 64 FR 68195; 65 FR 20251; 67 FR 38311; 65 FR 20245; 67 FR 46016; 67 FR 57267; 67 FR 10471; 67 FR 19798; 67 FR 15662; 67 FR 37907). Each of these 19 applicants has requested timely renewal of the exemption and has submitted evidence showing that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the standard specified at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the vision impairment is stable. In addition, a review of each record of safety while driving with the respective vision deficiencies over the past two years indicates each applicant continues to meet the vision exemption standards. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to drive safely in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of two years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES Request for Comments FMCSA will review comments received at any time concerning a particular driver’s safety record and determine if the continuation of the exemption is consistent with the requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. However, FMCSA requests that interested parties with specific data concerning the safety records of these drivers submit comments by September 27, 2006. FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 can be satisfied by initially granting the renewal and then requesting and evaluating, if needed, subsequently comments submitted by interested parties. As indicated above, the Agency previously published Notices of final disposition announcing its decision to exempt these 19 individuals from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The final decision to grant the exemption to each of these individuals was based on the merits of each case and only after careful consideration of the comments received in response to the Notices announcing the applications. The Notices of applications stated in detail the qualifications, experience, and medical condition of each applicant for an exemption from the vision requirements. That information is available by consulting the above cited Federal Register publications. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:09 Aug 25, 2006 Jkt 208001 Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that any, or all of these drivers, are not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. Issued on: August 21, 2006. Pamela M. Pelcovits, Director, Office of Policy Plans and Regulation. [FR Doc. E6–14178 Filed 8–25–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2005–21324] Pre-Trip Safety Information for Motorcoach Passengers Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: FMCSA seeks comments on its proposed plan to implement National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations for providing pre-trip safety information to motorcoach passengers. The NTSB recommends that the agency require, and develop minimum guidelines for, pre-trip safety information to be provided by motorcoach companies to passengers. FMCSA, in conjunction with stakeholders, has developed a basic plan for all motorcoach companies to implement a passenger safety awareness program. FMCSA proposes a flexible plan that would approve several methods of informing motorcoach passengers using visual and/or audio presentation, with or without technology assistance. FMCSA seeks motorcoach industry and stakeholder input in finalizing the plan. The goal of this initiative is to develop, and encourage adoption of, passenger safety awareness guidelines suited for diverse motorcoach operational types. DATES: We must receive your comments by November 27, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Docket Number FMCSA– 2005–21324, by any of the following methods: PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 50971 • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Agency Web Site: https:// dms.dot.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. Please submit three copies of written comments. • Hand Delivery: Submit three copies of written comments to Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: Comments must refer to Docket Number FMCSA–2005–21324. All comments received will be posted without change to https://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information provided. For detailed instructions on submitting comments, see the ‘‘Public Participation’’ heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. For a summary of DOT’s Privacy Act Statement or information on how to obtain a complete copy of DOT’s Privacy Act Statement please see the ‘‘Privacy Act’’ heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. Docket: For access to the docket to read the application or comments received, go to https://dms.dot.gov at any time or to Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Mr. Peter Chandler, Commercial Passenger Carrier Safety Division (MC–ECP), 202– 366–5763; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Participation The DMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. You can get electronic submission and retrieval help and guidelines under the ‘‘Help’’ section of the DMS Web site. If you want us to notify you of receiving your comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page displaying after received of on-line comments. E:\FR\FM\28AUN1.SGM 28AUN1 50972 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 166 / Monday, August 28, 2006 / Notices mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES Privacy Act Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477–78) or you may visit https://dms.dot.gov. I. Background On February 26, 1999, NTSB issued five recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation. This public notice addresses the two 1999 recommendations subsequently delegated to FMCSA: H–99–7, Provide guidance on the minimum information to be included in safety briefing materials for motorcoach operators. H–99–8, Require motorcoach operators to provide passengers with pre-trip safety information. NTSB made similar recommendations to the American Bus Association (ABA) and the United Motorcoach Association (UMA). The two 1999 recommendations were in response to a motorcoach crash on I–95 near Stony Creek, Virginia. On July 29, 1997, a 1985 Transportation Manufacturing Corporation motorcoach operated by Rite-Way Transportation, Inc. drifted off the side of I–95 and down an embankment into the Nottoway River, where it came to rest on its left side. At the time, a driver and 34 passengers were onboard the motorcoach. One passenger was fatally injured. The driver and 3 passengers sustained serious injuries; 28 passengers sustained minor injuries. NTSB believed this fatal accident highlighted the need for motorcoach passengers to receive pre-trip safety information similar to the emergency evacuation information given during pre-flight safety briefings for commercial airline passengers. During several motorcoach crash investigations by NTSB, passengers described a general sense of panic because they did not know what to do or how to get out of the motorcoach. In the spring of 2003, FMCSA held informal meetings with ABA, UMA, and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) which culminated in a working group to address the NTSB recommendations. Individuals from the motorcoach operating industry, motorcoach manufacturers, insurance industry, safety consulting industry, trade associations, State agencies, and other Federal regulatory agencies VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:09 Aug 25, 2006 Jkt 208001 comprised the working group. the working group met initially via conference call on August 19, 2003, and reached consensus on a response to the NTSB recommendations on September 16, 2003. The working group concluded it would be best to initially encourage the motorcoach industry to take voluntary action to improve pre-trip safety awareness. Motorcoach industry officials asserted it is impossible to develop a uniform passenger safety awareness regulation, flexible enough for industry-wide application, due to wide-ranging operational variances within the motorcoach industry. The group believed development and promotion of a list of best practices is a more effective and realistic alternative to ensure motorcoach passengers receive safety information. This notice announces FMCSA’s intent to work together with stakeholders on these safety guidelines. The guidelines would allow motorcoach companies to conduct pre-trip safety briefings as they deem appropriate. In an April 1, 2005, letter to FMCSA, the NTSB stated that the activities described above will provide motorcoach passengers with increased information about safety, and are responsive to recommendation H–99–7. In addition, NTSB stated such activities also provide an acceptable alternate approach to recommendation H–99–8. Based upon FMCSA’s actions taken and plans made, NTSB classified recommendation H–99–7 as ‘‘Open— Acceptable Response’’ and recommendation H–99–8 as ‘‘Open— Acceptable Alternate Response.’’ After reaching general consensus among stakeholders about a basic plan for motorcoach passenger safety awareness and developing a model informational pamphlet, FMCSA will submit such information and material to the NTSB for review. At such time, FMCSA and its safety partners will also begin monitoring crashes and complaints to verify that motorcoach companies are presenting pre-trip safety information to their passengers. II. Proposed Basic Plan for Motorcoach Passenger Safety Awareness Minimum Safety Topics To Be Covered 1. Driver Direction—Advise passengers to look to the driver for direction and follow his/her instructions. 2. Avoiding Slips and Falls—Warn passengers to exercise care when boarding and de-boarding the motorcoach, and to use the handrail when ascending or descending steps. PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Encourage passengers to remain seated as much as possible while the motorcoach is in motion. If it is necessary to walk while the motorcoach is moving, passengers should always use handrails and supports. Keep the aisle free of all property and debris. 3. Emergency Contact—Advise passengers to call 911 via cellular telephone in the event of an emergency. 4. Emergency exits—Point out the location of all emergency exits (pushout windows, roof vent, and side door) and explain how to operate them, including the emergency door release located on the dash or in the stairwell. Emphasize that, whenever feasible, the motorcoach door should be the primary exit choice. Encourage able-bodied passengers to assist any injured or mobility-impaired passengers during an emergency evacuation. 5. Restroom Emergency Push Button on Switch—Inform motorcoach passengers of the emergency signal advice in the restroom. 6. Fire extinguisher—Point out the location of the fire extinguisher. Alternative Methods of Presenting the Safety Information 1. During passenger boarding: a. Informational pamphlets distributed to motorcoach passengers during boarding. 2. After passenger boarding, immediately prior to moving the motorcoach: a. Suggestion by the driver for passengers to review informational pamphlets located in the pouches or sleeves on the back of seats. b. Oral presentation on safety information by the motorcoach driver (similar to the presentations by airline flight attendants prior to take-off) with or without informational pamphlets as visual aids. c. Automated audio presentation broadcasting a cassette tape or compact disk over the motorcoach audio system. d. Automated video presentation using a videotape or DVD on the motorcoach video system. Timing and Frequency of the Presentation Demand-responsive motorcoach operations such as charter and tour service should present the safety information to motorcoach passengers after boarding, prior to movement of the motorcoach. At a minimum, fixed route motorcoach service operations should present the safety information at all major stops or terminals after boarding, prior to movement of the motorcoach. E:\FR\FM\28AUN1.SGM 28AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 166 / Monday, August 28, 2006 / Notices III. Request for Comments FMCSA requests comments on the adequacy and comprehensiveness of the basic plan as well as recommendations for additional plan details. Issued on: August 21, 2006. David H. Hugel, Deputy Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. [FR Doc. 06–7182 Filed 8–25–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA–2000–7257; Notice No. 40] Railroad Safety Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC) meeting. mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: FRA announces the next meeting of the RSAC, a Federal Advisory Committee that develops railroad safety regulations through a consensus process. The RSAC meeting topics include opening remarks from the FRA Administrator, the private crossing safety inquiry, electronically controlled pneumatic brakes, a summary of the Collision Analysis Working Group Final Report, an update on Remote Control Locomotive training efforts, and a status report on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Railroad Operating Rules. Status reports will be given on the Passenger Safety, Roadway Worker, Continuous Welded Rail, and Locomotive Standards working groups. The Committee may possibly be asked to vote to accept a task on medical standards. This agenda is subject to change, and may include briefings on railroad security and other issues. DATES: The meeting of the RSAC is scheduled to commence at 9:30 a.m., and conclude at 4 p.m., on Thursday, September 21, 2006. ADDRESSES: The meeting of the RSAC will be held at the Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle, NW., Washington, DC 20005, (202) 842–1300. The meeting is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis, and is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Sign and oral interpretation can be made available if requested 10 calendar days before the meeting. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia Butera, RSAC Coordinator, FRA, 1120 Vermont Avenue, NW., Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590, (202) 493– VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:09 Aug 25, 2006 Jkt 208001 6212 or Grady Cothen, Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Standards and Program Development, FRA, 1120 Vermont Avenue, NW., Mailstop 25, Washington, DC 20590, (202) 493–6302. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92– 463), FRA is giving notice of a meeting of the RSAC. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m., and conclude at 4 p.m., on Thursday, September 21, 2006. The meeting of the RSAC will be held at the Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle, NW., Washington, DC 20005, (202) 842–1300. RSAC was established to provide advice and recommendations to the FRA on railroad safety matters. The RSAC is composed of 54 voting representatives from 31 member organizations, representing various rail industry perspectives. In addition, there are non-voting advisory representatives from the agencies with railroad safety regulatory responsibility in Canada and Mexico, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Transportation Security Administration. The diversity of the Committee ensures the requisite range of views and expertise necessary to discharge its responsibilities. See the RSAC Web site for details on pending tasks at: https://rsac.fra.dot. gov/. Please refer to the notice published in the Federal Register on March 11, 1996, (61 FR 9740) for more information about the RSAC. Issued in Washington, DC, on August 23, 2006. Grady C. Cothen, Jr., Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Standards and Program Development. [FR Doc. E6–14257 Filed 8–25–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA)/Joint Planning Advisory Group (JPAG) Maritime Administration, DOT. Synopsis of July 26 and 27, 2006 meeting with VISA participants. AGENCY: ACTION: Mr. Taylor E. Jones II, Director, Office of Sealift Support, (202) 366–2323. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The VISA program requires that a notice of the time, place, and nature of each JPAG meeting be published in the Federal Register. The full text of the VISA program, including these requirements, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 50973 is published in 70 FR 55947–55955, dated September 23, 2005. On July 26 and 27, 2006, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) co-hosted a meeting of the VISA JPAG at the Military Sealift Command in Washington, DC. Meeting attendance was by invitation only, due to the nature of the information discussed and the need for a government-issued security clearance. Of the 52 U.S.-flag carrier corporate participants enrolled in the VISA program, 17 companies participated in the JPAG meeting. In addition, representatives from MARAD and the Department of Defense (DOD) attended the meeting. Margaret LeClaire, Deputy Director, Strategy, Plans, Policy & Programs, USTRANSCOM, and James Caponiti, Associate Administrator for National Security, MARAD, welcomed the participants. Ms. LeClaire noted that this JPAG was a table-top exercise to match industry capabilities to military requirements related to the findings of DOD’s Mobility Capabilities Study (MCS). She asked industry participants to be creative and to collaborate as necessary to offer solutions. She noted that there were DOD representatives present to answer specific questions related to the exercise. Mr. Caponiti remarked that while some progress has been made in recent JPAG meetings regarding the findings of DOD’s Mobility Capabilities Study, he expected that this exercise would provide the government with a better appreciation of industry capabilities. He requested that industry representatives itemize their concerns related to the exercise so that they might be addressed after the meeting. VISA participants coordinated their efforts to ensure that commercial resources were utilized in an efficient and innovative manner. As a result of the exercise there was general agreement that there was more capability in the commercial industry than was assumed in the MCS to meet timelines and satisfy requirements. The participants noted that their responses were based on numerous assumptions. It was agreed that a closer examination of equipment, infrastructure and intermodal constraints was needed, and that factors such as market conditions and trade seasonality should be considered and evaluated before final conclusions could be reached. The following VISA companies participated in the July 26 and 27, 2006 JPAG meeting: American President Lines, Ltd.; American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, LLC; American Shipping Group; E:\FR\FM\28AUN1.SGM 28AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 166 (Monday, August 28, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50971-50973]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-7182]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2005-21324]


Pre-Trip Safety Information for Motorcoach Passengers

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA seeks comments on its proposed plan to implement 
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations for 
providing pre-trip safety information to motorcoach passengers. The 
NTSB recommends that the agency require, and develop minimum guidelines 
for, pre-trip safety information to be provided by motorcoach companies 
to passengers. FMCSA, in conjunction with stakeholders, has developed a 
basic plan for all motorcoach companies to implement a passenger safety 
awareness program. FMCSA proposes a flexible plan that would approve 
several methods of informing motorcoach passengers using visual and/or 
audio presentation, with or without technology assistance. FMCSA seeks 
motorcoach industry and stakeholder input in finalizing the plan. The 
goal of this initiative is to develop, and encourage adoption of, 
passenger safety awareness guidelines suited for diverse motorcoach 
operational types.

DATES: We must receive your comments by November 27, 2006.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Docket Number FMCSA-
2005-21324, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Agency Web Site: https://dms.dot.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Please submit three copies of written 
comments.
     Hand Delivery: Submit three copies of written comments to 
Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh 
Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Instructions: Comments must refer to Docket Number FMCSA-2005-
21324. All comments received will be posted without change to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information provided. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments, see the ``Public Participation'' 
heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. For 
a summary of DOT's Privacy Act Statement or information on how to 
obtain a complete copy of DOT's Privacy Act Statement please see the 
``Privacy Act'' heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read the application or 
comments received, go to https://dms.dot.gov at any time or to Room PL-
401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., 
Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Peter Chandler, Commercial 
Passenger Carrier Safety Division (MC-ECP), 202-366-5763; Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8 
a.m. to 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Participation

    The DMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. You can 
get electronic submission and retrieval help and guidelines under the 
``Help'' section of the DMS Web site. If you want us to notify you of 
receiving your comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped 
envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page displaying after 
received of on-line comments.

[[Page 50972]]

Privacy Act

    Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or you may visit 
https://dms.dot.gov.

I. Background

    On February 26, 1999, NTSB issued five recommendations to the 
Secretary of Transportation. This public notice addresses the two 1999 
recommendations subsequently delegated to FMCSA:

H-99-7, Provide guidance on the minimum information to be included in 
safety briefing materials for motorcoach operators.
H-99-8, Require motorcoach operators to provide passengers with pre-
trip safety information.

    NTSB made similar recommendations to the American Bus Association 
(ABA) and the United Motorcoach Association (UMA). The two 1999 
recommendations were in response to a motorcoach crash on I-95 near 
Stony Creek, Virginia. On July 29, 1997, a 1985 Transportation 
Manufacturing Corporation motorcoach operated by Rite-Way 
Transportation, Inc. drifted off the side of I-95 and down an 
embankment into the Nottoway River, where it came to rest on its left 
side. At the time, a driver and 34 passengers were onboard the 
motorcoach. One passenger was fatally injured. The driver and 3 
passengers sustained serious injuries; 28 passengers sustained minor 
injuries. NTSB believed this fatal accident highlighted the need for 
motorcoach passengers to receive pre-trip safety information similar to 
the emergency evacuation information given during pre-flight safety 
briefings for commercial airline passengers. During several motorcoach 
crash investigations by NTSB, passengers described a general sense of 
panic because they did not know what to do or how to get out of the 
motorcoach.
    In the spring of 2003, FMCSA held informal meetings with ABA, UMA, 
and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) which culminated in a 
working group to address the NTSB recommendations. Individuals from the 
motorcoach operating industry, motorcoach manufacturers, insurance 
industry, safety consulting industry, trade associations, State 
agencies, and other Federal regulatory agencies comprised the working 
group. the working group met initially via conference call on August 
19, 2003, and reached consensus on a response to the NTSB 
recommendations on September 16, 2003.
    The working group concluded it would be best to initially encourage 
the motorcoach industry to take voluntary action to improve pre-trip 
safety awareness. Motorcoach industry officials asserted it is 
impossible to develop a uniform passenger safety awareness regulation, 
flexible enough for industry-wide application, due to wide-ranging 
operational variances within the motorcoach industry. The group 
believed development and promotion of a list of best practices is a 
more effective and realistic alternative to ensure motorcoach 
passengers receive safety information. This notice announces FMCSA's 
intent to work together with stakeholders on these safety guidelines. 
The guidelines would allow motorcoach companies to conduct pre-trip 
safety briefings as they deem appropriate.
    In an April 1, 2005, letter to FMCSA, the NTSB stated that the 
activities described above will provide motorcoach passengers with 
increased information about safety, and are responsive to 
recommendation H-99-7. In addition, NTSB stated such activities also 
provide an acceptable alternate approach to recommendation H-99-8. 
Based upon FMCSA's actions taken and plans made, NTSB classified 
recommendation H-99-7 as ``Open--Acceptable Response'' and 
recommendation H-99-8 as ``Open--Acceptable Alternate Response.'' After 
reaching general consensus among stakeholders about a basic plan for 
motorcoach passenger safety awareness and developing a model 
informational pamphlet, FMCSA will submit such information and material 
to the NTSB for review. At such time, FMCSA and its safety partners 
will also begin monitoring crashes and complaints to verify that 
motorcoach companies are presenting pre-trip safety information to 
their passengers.

II. Proposed Basic Plan for Motorcoach Passenger Safety Awareness

Minimum Safety Topics To Be Covered

    1. Driver Direction--Advise passengers to look to the driver for 
direction and follow his/her instructions.
    2. Avoiding Slips and Falls--Warn passengers to exercise care when 
boarding and de-boarding the motorcoach, and to use the handrail when 
ascending or descending steps. Encourage passengers to remain seated as 
much as possible while the motorcoach is in motion. If it is necessary 
to walk while the motorcoach is moving, passengers should always use 
handrails and supports.
    Keep the aisle free of all property and debris.
    3. Emergency Contact--Advise passengers to call 911 via cellular 
telephone in the event of an emergency.
    4. Emergency exits--Point out the location of all emergency exits 
(push-out windows, roof vent, and side door) and explain how to operate 
them, including the emergency door release located on the dash or in 
the stairwell. Emphasize that, whenever feasible, the motorcoach door 
should be the primary exit choice. Encourage able-bodied passengers to 
assist any injured or mobility-impaired passengers during an emergency 
evacuation.
    5. Restroom Emergency Push Button on Switch--Inform motorcoach 
passengers of the emergency signal advice in the restroom.
    6. Fire extinguisher--Point out the location of the fire 
extinguisher.

Alternative Methods of Presenting the Safety Information

    1. During passenger boarding:
    a. Informational pamphlets distributed to motorcoach passengers 
during boarding.
    2. After passenger boarding, immediately prior to moving the 
motorcoach:
    a. Suggestion by the driver for passengers to review informational 
pamphlets located in the pouches or sleeves on the back of seats.
    b. Oral presentation on safety information by the motorcoach driver 
(similar to the presentations by airline flight attendants prior to 
take-off) with or without informational pamphlets as visual aids.
    c. Automated audio presentation broadcasting a cassette tape or 
compact disk over the motorcoach audio system.
    d. Automated video presentation using a videotape or DVD on the 
motorcoach video system.

Timing and Frequency of the Presentation

    Demand-responsive motorcoach operations such as charter and tour 
service should present the safety information to motorcoach passengers 
after boarding, prior to movement of the motorcoach.
    At a minimum, fixed route motorcoach service operations should 
present the safety information at all major stops or terminals after 
boarding, prior to movement of the motorcoach.

[[Page 50973]]

III. Request for Comments

    FMCSA requests comments on the adequacy and comprehensiveness of 
the basic plan as well as recommendations for additional plan details.

    Issued on: August 21, 2006.
David H. Hugel,
Deputy Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
[FR Doc. 06-7182 Filed 8-25-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-M
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.