Most people will assume that the company they travel with is safe. Let’s face it, someone in an office with an education has hired this person to be in this position of driver, right? We mindlessly jump into a taxi, bus, airplane without thinking about the credentials of the person who is ultimately responsible for our lives during the time of our ride.
The internet is a great tool when it comes to checking into the safety record of a transportation company. One search on Google can provide you with a wealth of information – both good and bad.
Start with the source. The company’s website should provide you with a ton of information regarding their services, vehicles, maintenance and safety training. Reputable companies love to brag about their safety records. They should also have a link to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website (FMCSA) which rates each company and shows any accidents or violations.
Next, check out the company’s social media pages. See if they have any complaints and how they handled them. Did they ignore it or respond? Do you feel satisfied with the response? Are they we represented and do they seem to match your group? For instance, if you are looking for corporate transportation for an upcoming convention, and the company you are looking to hire only shows party buses on their social media sites, you may want to think twice about hiring them.
Lastly, ask around. Nothing is better than word of mouth. Do you know anyone who has used the company before? How was the experience? How did the drivers act? Were they kind, knowledgeable and professional?
Before you hop on a bus, plane or taxi – do a little research – it could save you some headaches in the end – and maybe your life!