Peruvian bus crash

Following yesterday's bus crash in Peru, the second overseas disaster of its kind in a matter of days, lawyers are calling for tougher safety measures on coach travel.

Clive Garner, head of the international travel litigation unit at national law firm Irwin Mitchell (IM) comments: "Two coach crashes in such close succession really does heighten concern about the safety of coach travel abroad. There have been a number of coach crashes overseas in recent years, sadly involving large numbers of people, and for some time now we have been calling for improved safety checks. More rigorous measures need to be put in place to minimise the risk of accidents like this happening."

Investigations into the cause of the crash in Peru are already underway and while some investigators believe the accident was caused by the driver either falling asleep or speeding, it will be some time before the investigations into this tragedy are concluded.

Clive Garner continues: "Whoever is at fault in the crash, the injured passengers and their families should be entitled to some level of compensation. If the driver is found to have been at fault, the bus operator will be liable."

"Coach travel is generally safe but I would advise holidaymakers to ensure they have adequate travel and accident insurance when travelling abroad. Holidaymakers should aim to travel with a reputable coach company and check the vehicle looks well maintained. If you have concerns that the driver is not concentrating or is not alert, raise it with any conductor or tour guide. Try to avoid routes that are likely to be hazardous and if seatbelts are fitted, wear them."

There have recently been proposals for further EU directives aimed at tightening safety standards and enhancing regulation of coach travel. Proposals include compulsory fitting of seatbelts on all new coaches, strengthening of interior construction, fitting of speed limitation devices and a stricter system of coach operator certification.

Clive Garner adds: "In light of these recent tragic events, I would like to make a call for these directives to be accelerated so that we can put in place improved safety measures within Europe."

Clive Garner and IM solicitors have recovered compensation for many British victims of coach crashes abroad following accidents in South Africa, Turkey, Spain, Italy, India, Morocco and the USA.

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