Working in the music industry toward establishing a solid career comes with sacrifices and challenges. Henry Ford uttered the famous quote: “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” There is so much truth to that one line. Musicians are constantly confronted with a range of challenges throughout their professional journey. Whether they are just starting out or already have an established name in the business, touring and performing live is crucial to their continued success and growth.
Understandably, as each musician leaves their home, their focus is centered on the work ahead of them: the upcoming performance. If a musician is a solo artist or local performer, then travel can be as simple as placing an instrument in their vehicle, typing in the location on their GPS, and heading out. However, what about larger bands? Often it is easier for them to travel together using a large van or bus. This way, they can prepare to face the crowds together, all while taking time to discuss and focus on their upcoming performance. In light of this, we wanted to take a moment to share some of the top road safety tips for musicians on tour with our readers.
What to Know Before Hitting the Road
Accidents involving buses and vans are common, and the harsh reality is that one wrong split-second decision can result in a life-changing crisis. For instance, just last year, an up-and-coming band from California chasing their dream of becoming professional musicians suffered severe injuries leading to amputations from a horrific accident between their tour bus and a semi-truck that rear-ended them on the highway. That was only one example from a long list of accidents involving musicians in transit, some of which proved fatal. Therefore, in order to minimize the risks of collisions while traveling from one venue to another, we asked an accomplished personal injury attorney, John M. O’Brien, to share a few tips:
1. Make sure that your van or tour bus is safe
Regular safety checks are life-savers - not the mandatory annual or bi-annual motor vehicle inspections, but the ones performed each time before heading out on the road. Contact a trusted mechanic to carry out a multi-point inspection; some items they will check include: fluid levels, tires, brakes, ball joints, lights, and wipers. Yes, these checkups may require a little time but the trade is being rewarded with the peace of mind knowing the vehicle is sound and safe.
2. Be prepared to adapt the driving to the conditions
Always adhere to the speed limits and adapt your driving to the conditions on the road. Speeding is still one of the leading causes of accidents. However, other common factors are substance abuse and texting while driving. Therefore, hire a driver if you need your commute time to allow you to focus on the performance or to unwind. If inclement weather becomes a factor: slow down, take caution, and be prepared to pull over if needed.
3. Don’t let fatigue take over
Fatigue intervenes after long drives and late nights and can represent a significant issue when traveling with the band. A safe driver is well-rested, operating at 100%, and not subject to drug and alcohol consumption. Reports indicate that a “drowsy driving” driver can be just as dangerous as an impaired individual. If a person falls asleep while driving and causes an injury or death, he or she could be charged with reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter. Therefore, be proactive, limit the driving time to a maximum of eight hours per day, make plenty of rest stops, and, if possible, take turns driving. It also helps to have a co-pilot to keep the driver alert and focused.
4. Pack your van securely
If possible, store all the musical equipment and gear in a separate compartment. Always ensure items in the van or bus are safely tied down to avoid any sharp or dangerous objects flying in the air in case of a collision. In addition, keep a well-stocked first aid kit with band-aids, antibiotic cream, and medical tape in the vehicle. A basic mechanic's tool kit is a wise investment for mishaps that can happen on the road—even bringing essential tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, and flashlights can be of use when on the road. You can never be too prepared.
No matter where you are touring with your band, following these vital road safety tips to avoid potential hazards will help keep you free of worry so that you can enjoy your trip and, above all, have a great time. Get to know your surroundings and create long-lasting memories with your mates before giving it your all on stage!