Meanwhile, the DOT is looking at ways to increase oversight of the buses that take tubers and whitewater rafters to and from area rivers in lieu of the crash.

The buses fall under state motor vehicles laws instead of Department of Transportation scrutiny because outfitters do not charge for transporting patrons to and from rafting waters. DMV requires once-a-year inspections, while DOT mandates at least twice-a-year inspections.

Representatives of the DOT held a conference call this week that included the president of the regional rafting association.

Beau Duffy, a spokesman for the DOT, said he would not discuss the call or the agency’s efforts on the matter Thursday.

Doug Azaert, owner of Wildwaters Outdoor Center in Johnsburg and president of the Hudson River Professional Outfitters Association, acknowledged he took part in the call.

He said it was unclear what, if any, additional scrutiny the DOT planned, but said there were plans for additional discussions next week.

He said rafting companies do their best to make sure the buses, most of them retired school buses, are safe and reliable.