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Mexican Hat, Utah

Investigation into a motorcoach overturn accident in Mexican Hat, Utah on January 6, 2008. The accident occurred during a charter trip from Phoenix to Telluride, Colorado. The report includes details on the sequence of events, vehicle speed, safety issues, and the parties involved in the investigation.

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Mexican Hat, Utah

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  1. Mexican Hat, Utah Motorcoach Overturn January 6, 2008

  2. Introduction Pete Kotowski, IIC

  3. Introduction • Sequence of events • Vehicle speed • Safety issues • Investigative/support staff • Parties to investigation

  4. Charter Trip • 17-motorcoach charter • Ski trip excursion to Telluride, Colorado • Trip originated in Phoenix, Arizona, January 3, 2008 • Scheduled to return January 6, 2008

  5. Accident Trip Lizard Head Pass Missed turn Accident location

  6. Accident Trip • Departed Telluride, Colorado, at 3:15 p.m. • Removed tire chains outside Telluride • Driver missed turn • Continued straight on Utah U.S. Route 163 • Accident occurred at 8:02 p.m.

  7. Guardrail impact Off roadway Source:Utah Highway Patrol

  8. Accident Description • Roof separated from motorcoach during rollover sequence • 51 of 53 occupants ejected

  9. Accident Description

  10. DriveCam II • Motorcoach equipped with a video recording device • Forward-facing view • Rear interior view • Acceleration and turning forces

  11. DriveCam II • Forward-facing view of the motorcoach as it approached curve • Motorcoach moves right of center line

  12. VIDEO

  13. Vehicle Speed • RE staff developed a video analysis program • Referenced points • Time of video image • Speed determined to be 88–92 mph

  14. Video forward view Plotted position Vehicle Speed

  15. Vehicle Speed • Vehicle Dynamics Study • Acceleration Study • Critical speed of curve • Gear ratio considerations • ECM operation and data

  16. Vehicle Speed • Motorcoach traveling south entering curve at real speed and positions

  17. Simulation

  18. Safety Issues • Driver fatigue and excessive speed • Hours-of-service violations and motor carrier trip planning • Motorcoach occupant protection • Emergency medical notification and response with regard to large buses traveling on rural roads

  19. On-Scene Investigative Staff Ron Kaminski Survival Factors Jim LeBerte Motor Carrier Burt Simon (Ret.) Human Performance Larry Yohe (Ret.) Vehicle Factors Dave Rayburn Highway Factors Michele Beckjord Survival/Interviews Chris Voeglie Vehicle Recorders Paul Sledzik Transportation Disaster Assistance Pete Kotowski Investigator-In-Charge

  20. Report Development Staff Dennis Collins Human Performance Dan Horak, PhD Vehicle Performance Bruce Coury, PhD Transportation Research Analyst Doug Brazy Recorders Lab Jim Wildey (Ret.) Materials Lab Mitch Garber, MD Medical Officer

  21. Report Development Staff Kris Poland, PhD Biomechanics Julie Perrot Recommendations Robert Dodd, PhD Safety Studies Bridget Serchak Public Affairs

  22. Report Development Staff Debbie Taylor Writer-Editor Avis Clark Visuals Deborah Bruce, PhD Project Manager

  23. Parties to the Investigation • Utah Highway Patrol • Utah Department of Transportation • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration • Motor Coach Industries • Busco, Inc. (dba Arrow Stage Lines) • San Juan County, Utah

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