ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The 2010 version of the popular United Motorcoach Association Safety Management Seminar, featuring topics ranging from understanding the new federal safety measurement system, to what to expect during a USDOT/DOD compliance audit, will be Dec. 1st and 2nd in Ashburn, Va., outside of Washington, D.C.

Among the featured elements at this years seminar are briefings by senior officials from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration.

There also will be a National Transportation Safety Board crash investigations report.

The seminar is designed for those individuals who manage and direct bus safety and security operations, as well as motorcoach company owners and managers.

The seminar has two tracks, one for experienced safety and operational executives, and the other for those who would benefit from having information about setting up or improving a coach company safety and risk management program.

The seminar will again take place at the training facility of the National Transportation Safety Board in Ashburn, which is near Dulles International Airport, off the Leesburg Pike west of Arlington, Va.

"This years program features principles and philosophies of risk management, how-to ideas on the application of risk management principles, and samples of model policies, procedures and guidelines," said Matt Daecher of Daecher Consulting Group, which partners with UMA to present the seminar.

"The seminar will present valuable how-to information for both new operators and safety professionals, as well as those who have been in business for years," said Victor Parra, president and CEO of UMA.

Other highlights of this years program include:

Identifying and managing transportation-related risk

ADA requirements and considerations

Wheelchairs, wheelchair lifts and securement devices

Driver hiring and management strategies

Complete injury investigations

Encouraging driver fitness: Programs and success stories

Behind-the-wheel training

Understanding CSA 2010

Making Bus & Motorcoach Academy a tool for your success

Those attending earn a continuing education certificate from the Bus & Motorcoach Academy.

The seminar involves a day and a half of classroom presentations, with some sessions running concurrently. The first day begins at noon, and the second at 8 a.m. Day one concludes at roughly 4:30 p.m., while day two finishes at 4 p.m. Lunch is served both days; a continental breakfast is available on day two.

The Marriott Spring Hill Suites Ashburn Dulles North is the host hotel for attendees, and shuttle transportation is provided. The hotel is offering special rates for seminar attendees, but reservations must be made by Oct. 30. Contact the hotel at (888) 287-9400.

To register for the seminar, call UMA at (800) 424-8262, or go to www.uma.org and sign up online. The fee is $245 for UMA members, $390 for nonmembers. The seminar has sold out every year since it began in 2004.

This year, there will be a special day-and-a-half Business Management Seminar, presenting curriculum from the Bus & Motorcoach Academy, preceding the UMA Safety Management Seminar. The business seminar dates are Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. (See Oct. 1 Bus & Motorcoach News.)

For information about the Business Management Seminar, see the flyer and article in the Oct. 1 Bus & Motorcoach News, or go to www.uma.org.