March Madness, the highly anticipated three-week NCAA Division I basketball tournament, is just around the corner. From March 18 through April 7, 136 teams—68 men’s and 68 women’s—along with thousands of enthusiastic fans, will rely on motorcoach buses for transportation to and from arenas, hotels, and other event locations across the country. For motorcoach companies and drivers contracted for this year’s games, ensuring a memorable and safe journey for all is paramount.

Motor Carrier Preparation is Key

Bus operators can help things go smoothly during March Madness by considering these important actions:

Coordinate with tournament organizers. Host cities will be crowded, leading to potential traffic bottlenecks and heightened risks. Work closely with tournament organizers to gather information on March Madness game schedules, travel routes, pick-up and drop-off points, parking, and permit requirements. Stay updated on road closures or traffic plans around tournament sites to avoid delays or hazards. Clearly communicate all details to your drivers.
Enforce a “NO CONVOY” policy. While you may have multiple motorcoaches participating in the trip, they should refrain from traveling in a convoy-style formation, as coach convoys increase the risk of chain-reaction accidents. Each coach should depart with a five to ten-minute interval between them, operate independently, maintain a separation of up to five minutes, and arrive at the destination one by one. Drivers should be furnished the trip schedule for their respective coach and carry out the trip independently of the other buses in the group.
Provide refresher driver training. Ensure that drivers are prepared for the challenges of large event transportation. Refer to resources like Lancer’s SafetyStop Blog for loss prevention strategies, tips, and best practices.
Review your emergency preparedness plan. Make sure drivers are well-versed in on-road emergency protocols, such as managing medical incidents, vehicle breakdowns, and accidents. Stress the importance of staying calm and following procedures to minimize risks.
Maintain contact with drivers. Implement a communication system that includes scheduled check-ins with drivers to address schedule changes, venue issues, and weather or road conditions. Be sure drivers are aware of and adhere to your company’s electronic device usage policy, emphasizing that cell phone use is prohibited while driving.
Remember that PROMPT CLAIMS REPORTING MATTERS. If you are a Lancer insured, please REPORT ALL ACCIDENTS TO LANCER IMMEDIATELY by calling 800-521-6155 (or 833-757-5629).

Maintaining Safety on the Road

Whether transporting a team or group of fans for March Madness, there are measures drivers can take to help keep themselves, their passengers, and their equipment safe:

Get sufficient rest before driving. Experts recommend seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep per night to prevent fatigue. Behind the wheel, driver fatigue can slow reaction times and impair judgment. While driving, take frequent breaks and watch for signs of drowsiness.
Pre-plan your route carefully. Use traffic websites, radio reports, and/or a GPS system or navigational app designed for commercial vehicles to help avoid congestion and potential hazards. Check weather conditions before and during the trip as situations can change rapidly. If your vehicle is part of a multi-bus move, avoid convoying—travel independently to reduce the risk of a chain-reaction crash.
Perform detailed vehicle checks. Pre- and post-trip inspections are required by law and are crucial for safe driving. But, making sure your coach is running at its best can also help prevent breakdowns that would only add to the challenges of navigating heavy March Madness traffic.
Conduct a passenger safety briefing. Before each trip, inform passengers about safety protocols, such as proper seatbelt usage, emergency evacuation procedures, and the importance of staying seated while the bus is moving. Playing Lancer’s “Welcome Aboard: A Passenger’s Guide to a Safe Trip” DVD is a great way to ensure passenger preparedness.
Minimize distractions. Refrain from activities that can divert your focus from driving, like adjusting the radio or reaching for items. Wait until you are parked to handle non-driving tasks.
Drive defensively. March Madness attracts big crowds, so expect congestion, especially on game days. Scan the road ahead to anticipate potential hazards and use your mirrors often to stay aware of your surroundings. Be patient and adjust your speed and following distance to match traffic and weather conditions.
Watch for out-of-towners. Many fans will be unfamiliar with the area, which may lead to sudden braking or swerving as they search for parking or navigate new routes. Give yourself extra space to react to hazardous situations.
Stay alert to pedestrians. With college basketball fans flooding host cities to enjoy the games, you need to be extra vigilant of pedestrians, particularly near tournament venues. Slow down, watch carefully, and be prepared to stop.
Manage post-game traffic. After the game, some fans may be more focused on the final score instead of driving safely. Be extra careful when exiting crowded parking lots. There is also an increased risk of encountering impaired or aggressive drivers. Stay alert and maintain a safe distance when navigating these challenging conditions.

With the right preparation and precautions, motorcoach operators and drivers can manage the complexities of transporting teams and fans during March Madness, ensuring the 2025 NCAA Division 1 Basketball Tournament remains a memorable and safe experience for all who attend.