US Issues reminder about tyres and overloading In coaches
ERJ staff report (DS)
Washington DC - Following some tyre failure incidents due to overloaded coaches, the US-based Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has reminded motor Coach operators about overloading and best practice.
In partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), FMCSA has conducted preliminary investigations that show potential safety concerns related to double-deck buses that may overload tyres outside the suggested weight limit.
Under specific circumstances motorcoaches utilising the double-deck design may be susceptible to exceeding the tyre weight limit when loaded with passengers and luggage at full capacity. These risks can be avoided by properly loading passengers and cargo, and increasing pressure in tyres on the rear wheels.
A tyre on a motorcoach loaded beyond its weight rating, operated at highway speeds for a significant period of time, is more likely to overheat and fail, potentially placing the safety of passengers and other motorists at risk. FMCSA takes this issue very seriously, and bus companies or vehicles that violate tyre loading restrictions may be declared an imminent hazard and immediately placed out-of-service.
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Press release from FMCSA
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