In general, traveling by tour bus can be safe, but there are some things you’ll need to look out for, including the below considerations.
Who doesn’t love to go on vacation? It can be so much fun to travel to a new place and check out the sights. What can make this trip even better is not having to drive or fly — and that’s why many people decide to travel by tour bus.
If you are planning a tour bus trip in Latin America for some time in the future, you may be wondering if it’s safe. No matter how you decide to travel, there are risks involved, and traveling by tour bus is no different.
In general, traveling by tour bus can be safe, but there are some things you’ll need to look out for, including the following considerations.
Compliance with legal requirements
Before you embark on your journey, do some online digging to find out if the bus company you choose respects all the legal requirements of the Latin American country you are visiting.
These ensure that the company has the insurance coverage necessary to take care of accident victims if the worst should happen. Tour bus companies are also given a safety rating, which lets you know if you should trust them or not.
Tour bus companies should also keep their buses maintained and serviced to ensure that they run optimally, reducing the chances of a breakdown or accident, and the busses should be equipped with the proper safety gear.
Ask about their drivers
All tour bus drivers need to have the right training and a commercial driver’s license that has a passenger endorsement. In addition, the drivers should also have a valid medical certification that says they meet the physical qualifications that are required for the job.
On top of that, it’s also imperative that they have a safe driving record. A reputable tour bus company should be more than willing to provide information about their drivers if you ask for it. If they aren’t, you might want to look for another company to ride with.
Driving hours
Not only should the tour bus driver have the right qualifications and certifications, but the tour bus company should also comply with the country’s driving hours if there are any in place. In Latin America, not all countries have provisions that limit the daily driving hours. Also, not all of the countries have provisions for mandatory rest.
In a study that surveyed several countries from South America, researchers found that only 9 had provisions that explicitly limited the daily working hours for drivers. While in some of these countries the limit falls under 10 hours per day, in Mexico, drivers may legally drive up to 14 hours per day.
Should you be going on a trip that lasts for several days in Latin America, make sure you do proper research on the specific countries that interest you. You could ask how many drivers will be on the bus or look over the itinerary to find out how many times you’ll stop so that the driver has ample time to rest and recover.
Your rights and responsibilities
Even if the tour bus company you plan your travel with complies with all the rules and regulations, accidents can happen at any time. Before heading out for your vacation, you might consider talking to a lawyer to find out if you are covered if damages resulting from breach of duty occur.
Having this information before you step onto the bus may make it easier to file a claim if something happens. It may also help you determine if getting on the bus at all is worth the risk.
Tour bus safety
When it comes to traveling, the only thing you should have to worry about is how much fun you’re going to have. Traveling by tour bus in Latin America can be safe, as long as you find a company that complies with laws and regulations.
You can’t plan for every incident that might occur, but you can arm yourself with knowledge. With the right information, you’ll be able to find the right tour bus company and go on a memorable vacation.
