WASHINGTON (7News) — A fatal crash involving a bus in Stafford County, Virginia, on Friday morning has reignited discussions about the issuance of commercial driver's licenses (CDL) in the U.S.
The driver, identified as 48-year-old Jing Dong, is a naturalized U.S. citizen from China and received his CDL in New York State, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Officials report that Dong does not speak English.
The crash resulted in five fatalities, including two children, and left 44 people injured after the bus collided with multiple vehicles on I-95. Emergency services responded promptly, and authorities have initiated an ongoing investigation into the incident.
Duffy stated, “Unacceptable. This is exactly why we are holding states accountable… If you can't be properly trained, read our road signs, or communicate with law enforcement, you have no business driving a bus.”
In response to recent events, lawmakers are advocating for Delilah's Law, aimed at preventing individuals in the U.S. illegally from obtaining a CDL. This legislation follows the tragic traffic fatalities attributed to illegal drivers.
Furthermore, a House Committee on Transportation has advanced a bill that would impose stricter requirements for obtaining a CDL, including mandated English proficiency. This follows a high-profile case in Florida, where a driver who entered the country illegally caused a crash that claimed three lives.
Concerns have arisen regarding state adherence to federal CDL licensing standards, particularly after the Supreme Court declined to hear a lawsuit addressing the matter in Florida.