Duffy threatens states with funding loss after deadly Florida crash
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a stern warning to states over their commercial driver licensing rules following a tragic crash in Florida that claimed the lives of three individuals. The crash, caused by an illegal immigrant from India named Harjinder Singh, has sparked outrage and concern over the enforcement of regulations governing commercial driver’s licenses.
Singh, who was behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer when he made an illegal U-turn on a Florida turnpike, had a commercial driver’s license issued in California at the time of the accident. Prior to that, he held a license in Washington. Despite a previous traffic stop in New Mexico where his rig was not taken “out of service,” Singh was still allowed to operate a commercial vehicle, leading to the fatal crash.
Secretary Duffy has given states a 30-day ultimatum to ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding commercial driver licensing, threatening to withhold federal funding through the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program for those that fail to do so. Duffy emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals operating large vehicles are properly trained and capable of understanding road signs for the safety of all road users.
In response to the crash, federal investigators revealed that Singh had failed English proficiency and road sign tests, raising questions about how he was able to obtain a commercial driver’s license in the first place. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office defended the issuance of Singh’s license, attributing it to approvals granted during the Trump administration.
However, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin disputed this claim, stating that Singh’s work authorization was actually rejected under the Trump administration before being approved under the Biden administration. Meanwhile, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico expressed confidence in the state’s compliance with federal regulations and emphasized the importance of safety in commercial driving.
The Washington State Department of Licensing has launched an investigation into how Singh obtained a commercial driver’s license in their state, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of licensing requirements. Secretary Duffy stressed the importance of ensuring the competency and training of commercial drivers to prevent future accidents and protect the safety of all road users.
As the investigation into the Florida crash continues, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of upholding regulations and standards for commercial driver licensing. The tragic loss of life in this incident underscores the need for increased vigilance and oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Cameron Arcand is a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. Story tips can be sent to Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com and on Twitter: @cameron_arcand.
