Arizona Department of Public Safety announces the results of a two day Grand Canyon Motor Coach Inspection Detail

In a combined effort of the Arizona Highway Patrol and the National Parks Service, a major motor coach inspections detail was conducted in the Grand Canyon National Park from September 26-28, 2011. This project, which is held annually at the Grand Canyon National Park, is in conjunction with a North American effort to perform detailed inspections on motor coach vehicles (buses) to promote a safe and secure method of travel. Officers completed comprehensive inspections of all motor coach vehicles that entered the National Park during the detail where mechanical components and driver credentials were examined.

• DPS and our law enforcement partners completed 218 Motor Coach Inspections.
• 18 commercial vehicles were inspected
• 20 of the vehicles were placed out of service for mechanical violations.
• 22 of the drivers were place out of service. The most significant violations were hours of service and false records of duty status.
• 477 total violations were discovered by officers during these inspections
• 10% of the drivers inspected were placed out of service
• 9% of the commercial vehicles inspected were placed out of service
• 1 driver was arrested for DUI drugs.

Statistics indicated that 80% of all motor coach crashes are directly related to driver/vehicle violations. The Arizona Highway Patrol is part of a nationwide effort to reduce motor coach crashes and ensure the safety of those citizens who use this method of travel. “Roadway safety is the top priority of the Arizona Highway Patrol,” said Lt. Colonel Jack Hegarty. “Motor coach inspections details such as the Grand Canyon project will increase the safety for all drivers traveling on Arizona highways.”

During the inspections, officers also had the opportunity to educate drivers and companies on the federal guidelines for motor coach operations.

The Arizona Highway Patrol was assisted in this detail by federal and local police agencies to include the National Parks Service, the Mohave County Sheriffs Office and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.