Why Limousines Are More Dangerous Than Regular Vehicles
For a prom, wedding, or other special event, many people use limousines. A limousine is a large, high-end luxury vehicle driven by a professional chauffeur, traditionally featuring a partition separating the driver from the passenger compartment for maximum privacy and comfort. While often associated with long, stretched sedans, a limousine can be any chauffeur-driven luxury car.
Many people like limousines because they provide a luxury experience. Many are equipped with bars, moonroofs, TVs, and stereo systems, allowing for a party inside a vehicle. While fun, these vehicles can be dangerous under the wrong circumstances.
Many limousine accidents occur due to size, as these vehicles tend to be extra long. This makes them harder to drive. The increased weight and length result in longer braking distances and difficult maneuverability.
In the United States, vehicles are required to have seatbelts as well as side-curtain airbags. However, party buses and limos are exempt from this rule if they have no more than eight forward-facing seats. The exemption is aimed at airport shuttles and buses but limo manufacturers use this exemption to avoid the expense of extra seatbelts or airbags.
Stretch limos are more susceptible to side collisions, so a limo with no safety features and unrestrained passengers is an especially dangerous combination. This is true even in minor accidents.
Construction issues can also be a problem. During the manufacturing process, stretch limos are often taken apart and put back together. This compromises the safety and can also create blind spots for the driver, which is dangerous for the passengers.
Another safety issue to think about is the fact that there are many unregistered limousine companies and unlicensed drivers. Properly trained limousine drivers play a critical role in ensuring passenger safety. Because stretch limousines are significantly larger and more challenging to maneuver than standard vehicles, inexperienced or unqualified drivers may lack the skills necessary to safely operate them.
In addition, when an uninsured limousine is involved in a crash, passengers may face significant obstacles in obtaining compensation for medical care and other damages. Companies that cut corners by hiring unlicensed drivers or failing to maintain proper insurance coverage often neglect other essential safety practices as well, including routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and adherence to safety regulations.
Limousine Safety Tips
- Verify licensing and insurance. Confirm that the company is properly licensed, carries commercial insurance, and meets all state and federal safety requirements.
- Research the company’s safety record. Check online reviews, safety complaints, and accident history.
- Inspect the vehicle. Before entering the limo, look for visible damage, worn tires, broken lights, and malfunctioning doors or seatbelts.
- Wear seatbelts whenever available. Many limos are equipped with seatbelts, so use them. Seatbelts significantly reduce injury risk in crashes and sudden stops.
- Remain seated. Avoid standing, leaning, or moving around while the vehicle is in motion.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Impairment increases fall risk, poor judgment, and injury severity.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Limousines can be fun for special events, but they can get into serious accidents, just like any other vehicle.
Count on Sue West, a Houston limo accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC to help you with liability and financial concerns related to these complex accidents. Schedule a consultation to learn more. Fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247.
Source:
bookingtool.com/articles/the-unseen-dangers-of-stretch-limousines/#:~:text=Lax%20Regulations%20for%20Limousines,combination%2C%20even%20in%20minor%20accidents.
