WASHINGTON, DC - As January 20th nears, people from around the world are preparing to travel to Washington, DC to witness the 56th Presidential Inauguration. Many will be making the journey by bus from around the country, and it is important that all visitors arrive and return home safely from the inaugural events.

When making travel plans for January 20, 2009, all bus passengers are encouraged to visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov for important pre-trip safety information including how to choose a bus carrier, how to check their safety record, what you should know before boarding, and links to additional inaugural information. It is very important that all passengers be aware of the location of emergency exits and fire extinguishers on the bus in which they are traveling, listen to all driver instructions in the event of an emergency and know who to contact if they need help.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the bus and truck safety agency within the US Department of Transportation, is working to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of these passengers. Officials in Washington, DC are expecting the number of attendees to be in the millions, with over 10,000 buses estimated to arrive in the city. To reach bus companies, drivers, and the general public traveling to and from the Inauguration, FMCSA is encouraging driver and passenger safety by distributing safety materials and making them available for passengers and organizers to download from here.

As you embark on the "Road to History" - arrive and return home safely.

- ETN