• 07
  • June
    2011

After two bus crashes in New York and New Jersey left 17 dead in less than three days, bus and commercial driver safety has come under fire. As a result, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is taking measures to make sure commercial drivers are more qualified to be on the road.

Last month, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that more rigorous testing will be required for those trying to obtain commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). Additionally, the DOT is seeking to enact new rules that will further align commercial license compliance with federal safety regulations.

Under the new recommendations, potential bus drivers must now obtain a learner's permit before they can apply for a CDL. Any drug or alcohol-related offenses in regular vehicles, when commercial drivers are off the clock, would also lead to an automatic CDL revocation. (Currently, most states, including New York, will penalize CDL holders for drug or alcohol-related offenses but it is not always as serious as a license revocation).

The DOT also hopes to implement nationwide uniform testing standards and to strengthen their enforcement authority against reincarnated transportation carriers (companies that were closed down for violations that open under a new name and registration number). The proposals also include implementing safety audits for new bus and motorcoach companies.

The DOT hopes that higher standards will translate to safer bus trips. LaHood noted that when the public rides any bus or commercial vehicle they have the right to know that they will reach their destination safely.

Source: "U.S. announces stricter commercial driver's license testing after recent fatal bus crashes in N.J., N.Y."