WASHINGTON (7News) — A deadly bus crash in Stafford County on Friday morning has raised concerns about commercial driver's license (CDL) regulations in the U.S.
According to authorities, the driver, 48-year-old Jing Dong, is a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from China and obtained his CDL in New York State. Reports indicate that Dong does not speak English.
The incident occurred on I-95, resulting in five fatalities, including two children, and leaving 44 others injured. Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene, where multiple vehicles were impacted. Lane closures were implemented as the investigation commenced.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the need for accountability in state CDL issuance policies. He stated via social media, “If you can't be properly trained, read our road signs, or communicate with law enforcement, you have no business driving a bus.”
Recent calls to legislate stricter CDL requirements have emerged, advocating to prevent individuals without proper documentation from obtaining licenses. A proposed bill, Delilah's Law, seeks to enhance regulations following similar incidents involving unlicensed drivers.
Additionally, a House Committee on Transportation has advanced a bill that would tighten CDL acquisition criteria, including the requirement for English proficiency.
In a related case from Florida last year, a driver's illegal U-turn resulted in three deaths, raising further questions about state compliance with federal licensing standards. The Supreme Court has declined to review Florida's lawsuit challenging the licensing practices of Washington and California.