Operator involved in Fla. bus crash declared imminent hazard
On July 2, 2016, a passenger bus operated by Billy R. Evans Harvesting failed to stop at an intermittent red light and struck another commercial vehicle that possessed the right-of-way.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ordered Belle Glade, Fla.-based Billy R. Evans Harvesting Inc. to immediately cease all intrastate and interstate operations after a federal investigation found the company to pose an imminent hazard to public safety.
Billy R. Evans Harvesting, which operates approximately 12 passenger buses for transporting agricultural workers and six trucks for hauling fresh produce from harvesting fields to processing plants, and employs four commercial driver license (CDL) holders, was served the federal order on July 29, 2016.
Ad Loading...
On July 2, 2016, a passenger bus operated by Billy R. Evans Harvesting failed to stop at an intermittent red light and struck another commercial vehicle that possessed the right-of-way. Both vehicles caught fire. Four bus passengers, including a four-year-old child and the driver of the other commercial vehicle, were killed. Twenty-four of the other passengers were injured.
A post-crash investigation conducted by FMCSA safety investigators in coordination with the Florida Highway Patrol found the company to be in violation of multiple federal safety statutes and regulations including:
Failing to comply with any driver qualification requirements, including ensuring that its drivers were properly licensed and physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Failing to retain records of driving violations and involvement in crashes by its drivers as required by federal regulations. On Jan. 27, 2016, a bus driver for Billy R. Evans Harvesting was involved in an injury crash after similarly failing to obey a flashing yellow light; FMCSA investigators discovered Billy R. Evans Harvesting had no knowledge and possessed no records of the January 2016 crash.
Failing to implement a random alcohol and drug testing program for its drivers.
Failing to ensure that its vehicles were regularly inspected, maintained, repaired and met minimum safety standards. All of the commercial vehicles inspected during the investigation were placed out-of-service. The safety defects discovered included lighting failures, improper vehicle markings, missing or inoperative emergency equipment, oil and grease leaks, exhaust discharge violations and unsecured passenger seats.
Failing to properly monitor its drivers to ensure compliance with hours-of-service requirements prohibiting fatigued operation of commercial motor vehicles.
Failing to register with FMCSA as an interstate carrier.
The post-crash investigation found that Billy R. Evans Harvesting operated with “significantly inadequate basic safety management controls.” FMCSA’s imminent hazard out-of-service order to Billy R. Evans Harvesting further states that the company’s “operation of commercial motor vehicles and flagrant and fleet-wide disregard for (federal safety regulations)…substantially increased the risk of serious injury or death to the motoring public.”
Violating an imminent hazard out-of-service order may result in a penalty of up to $25,000, operating without necessary authority may result in a fine of not less than $10,000, and operating without a U.S. DOT number may result in a civil penalty of up to $16,000. A violation of this order may also result in a criminal penalty, including a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment not to exceed one year.
Ad Loading...
FMCSA is also considering civil penalties for the safety violations discovered during the investigation and may refer this matter for criminal prosecution.
A copy of the imminent hazard out-of-service order can be viewed here.
As the American Bus Association marks its 100th year, a new ABA Foundation report highlights the Marketplace’s role as a key revenue engine for the bus and group travel industry.
As motorcoaches navigate increasingly congested urban corridors filled with pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, and distracted drivers, safety leaders across the industry are confronting a growing challenge: visibility.
In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.
A portion of this fleet investment was recently recognized during UMA EXPO 2026, where Croswell Bus Lines was presented with a commemorative $1.8 million check highlighting the company’s continued investment in its fleet and partnership with ABC.
Premiums remain elevated. Underwriting scrutiny is intense. And claims costs continue to rise at historic levels. Behind those numbers lies a complex mix of legal, medical, and cultural forces reshaping the commercial landscape.
The company said it has remained the most widely purchased model in the new coach market across the US and Canada, according to historical data from the Motorcoach Builders Survey conducted by the American Bus Association
A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.
The company's flagship H3-45 is also the best-selling 45-foot motorcoach in North America, according to vehicle registration data from S&P Global Mobility (Polk).
