Some tates are calling for tougher commercial driver rules following revelations in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks about a perceived laxness in the country’s oversight of truck drivers,
especially those hauling hazardous materials.
A Wisconsin state lawmaker plans to propose legislation to require a federal criminal background check for drivers of hazardous materials.
“We have background checks in this state for teachers and bus drivers,” noted Rep. Rob Kreibich of Eau Claire. His bill would require those seeking hazmat endorsements to pay an extra $34 to pay for the background check and undergo another check every four years.
In Florida, Attorney General Bob Butterworth urged legislators to consider a number of options to crack down on driver’s license fraud when they meet in special session later this month.
Among the options Butterworth suggested are fingerprinting foreign nationals applying for a commercial driver’s license; requiring thumbprint identification for all driver’s licenses; and running driver’s license photos through a law enforcement database immediately after they are taken.
Pennsylvania State Rep. Richard Geist, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said he hopes to introduce a bill requiring better credentials for truckers. Until then, he urged truckers to report anything suspicious, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"Our greatest vigilantes right now might be American truckers," Geist told the paper. "With their CB radios, they can be on the lookout."