Safety is a top priority for Forum Music Festivals. We work hard to ensure all of our clients are safe and sound throughout the duration of their travel with us – whether a one-day or overnight trip. Our goal is to provide the most comfortable and enjoyable experience for your students.
Staying current with the newest research and federal regulations, Forum Music Festivals has implemented a new bus policy for all motor coach transportation that we contract on behalf of our clients. In the past, many clients joined us for turnaround trips or for trips that include overnight driving. The decision to execute a new policy was not made lightly as we consider the best way forward for groups. However, based on the increase of fatigue-related accidents, we are implementing the following policy in order to maintain safety as our top priority.
Starting with the 2019 festival season, Forum Music Festivals is putting into effect the following policies:
- While uninterrupted travel during the late night and early morning is not prohibited by law, we recognize that night-time driving can contribute to drowsiness in the driver. We strongly encourage groups to plan alternate itineraries to avoid a late evening departure. For that reason, trips will no longer be booked by Forum Music Festivals that require drivers to drive between the hours of 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. Drivers must be off the clock during these middle of the night hours.
- Seat belts will be requested and provided unless otherwise notified.
- Please not California law now requires seat belts be worn in buses equipped with them
- If a district has a list of pre-qualified charter bus companies, we will confer with our client and double check the charter company’s safety record so we may abide by the district’s guidelines.
Federal Regulations mandate that…
- Motorcoach drivers cannot drive more than 10 hours in a 24 hour period.
- Motorcoach drivers may not drive after having been on duty for 15 hours.
- Motorcoach drivers must have at least 8 hours off before their next shift can start (some bus companies may require more).
- Motorcoach drivers may not drive after 60 hours on duty over seven days or after 70 hours on duty over eight days.
- Driver hours are now tracked using electronic logging devices.
California regulations mandate that…
- Charter buses and drivers who transport California students must complete SPAB certification. SPAB stands for School Pupil Activity Bus and is certified through the California Highway Patrol (CHP) .
- Effective July 2018, California State Law SB20 requires that both drivers and passengers wear seat belts. Parents, guardians or chartering companies are being held responsible for making sure children 16 and under are buckled up. ANY charter bus manufactured with seat belts traveling through the state of California, regardless of where they originated, must comply with this law. Directors and chaperones must ensure all students are wearing seatbelts. Fines will be written for offenders.
We believe this new policy will enhance the experience for groups who trust us with selecting and planning their charter bus transportation. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at office@forummusicfestivals.com.