WASHINGTON (7News) — A fatal crash involving a commercial bus in Stafford County on Friday morning has reignited discussions about how commercial driver's licenses (CDL) are issued in the U.S.
The bus driver, identified as 48-year-old Jing Dong, is a naturalized U.S. citizen from China who received his CDL from New York State, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Officials confirmed that Dong does not speak English.
The crash resulted in multiple fatalities, including two children, and left 44 others injured after the bus collided with several vehicles on I-95 in Virginia. Emergency responders were on the scene, and the investigation is ongoing, with all lanes closed.
“Unacceptable. This highlights the need for states to enforce road safety rules and ensure drivers can communicate effectively,” Duffy stated. He emphasized that drivers unable to read road signs or engage with law enforcement should not be behind the wheel.
In light of recent incidents, lawmakers are pushing for Delilah's Law, which aims to prevent individuals in the U.S. illegally from obtaining a CDL. This comes after a House Committee on Transportation proposed stricter regulations on CDL issuance and required English proficiency.
A notable case from last year saw Harjjinder Singh, who allegedly made an illegal U-turn that led to three fatalities, raising concerns about licensing standards. The Supreme Court recently declined to review Florida's lawsuit concerning that incident and state licensing practices.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on the investigation into Friday's crash.