Intercity and tour buses play a vital role in intercity travel, carrying millions of passengers each year across the United States. Despite the perception that these large vehicles are relatively safe due to their size, statistics reveal a concerning trend: tour buses and intercity coaches are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than passenger cars. 

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), although tour and intercity buses constitute a smaller segment of total bus traffic, accidents involving these vehicles often result in more severe consequences, especially due to factors such as higher traveling speeds, long distances and the number of passengers involved.

A recent tragic example occurred on August 22, 2025, when a tour bus carrying 54 occupants rolled over on the New York Thruway traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City. The incident resulted in the deaths of five passengers and left numerous others hospitalized with severe injuries. According to state police, the driver became distracted, lost control of the bus and over-corrected, causing the vehicle to abruptly veer off the roadway and topple. 

Several factors explain why tour and intercity buses are statistically more prone to serious accidents:

1. Long-distance travel — These buses typically cover hundreds of miles per trip, often at highway speeds. The increased exposure to highway risks, such as high-speed driving, changing traffic patterns and unpredictable weather, significantly raises the chance of a severe accident ..

2. Driver fatigue and maintenance — Privately operated fleets may not maintain the same rigorous standards as large, nationally operated bus lines. Long hours behind the wheel, tight schedules, and insufficient rest can lead to driver fatigue: a well-known cause of accidents. Additionally, some privately owned buses may cut corners on maintenance, leading to mechanical failures.

3. Lax regulation — Tour buses face less stringent regulation than commercial trucks, which are subject to federal hours of service rules, mandatory rest periods and safety checks.. This lack of oversight can result in poorly maintained vehicles and insufficiently trained drivers.

If you or a family member is injured in a commercial bus accident, several legal remedies may be available:

• Personal injury claims — You may bring a claim against the bus company for negligence, such as hiring unqualified drivers, failing to maintain the vehicle, or insufficient driver training.

• Product liability — If a mechanical failure or defective part played a role, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its components may also be liable.

• Claims against government agencies — In some cases, poor road conditions or improper signage could make a government entity partially responsible.

• Wrongful death — If a loved one is killed, family members may file a wrongful death suit for compensation arising from their loss.

Bus companies and their insurers often have rapid response teams aimed at minimizing their liability. Retaining a bus accident attorney with experience in commercial vehicle litigation will ensure your rights are protected and help you recover the financial compensation you need and deserve.

Pikrallidas & Probasco represents individuals who have been injured in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. bus accidents. Please call 703-267-2600 or contact us online to make an appointment for a free consultation at our Fairfax, Manassas, Centreville or Front Royal office.