DOT efforts to police trucking companies falling short, says comptroller
ALBANY - The state Department of Transportation is not adequately monitoring whether commercial carriers whose vehicles or drivers have been taken off the road because of violations are making needed repairs or corrections, potentially putting the public at risk, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
“Lax oversight of commercial carriers could be putting New York’s motorists in jeopardy,” DiNapoli said. “The Department of Transportation needs to do a better job making sure carriers comply with the law, and most especially those with poor safety records. The state needs to send a strong message that commercial carriers that flout the rules and put people at risk will be penalized.”
DOT is responsible for administering state participation in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. Roadside inspections of commercial vehicles are a primary part of the program. The inspections are performed by DOT inspectors and specially trained state and local police. Inspections regularly uncover violations serious enough to warrant immediately removing the vehicle from service until they are fixed. Carriers with poor safety histories may also be subject to more stringent DOT enforcement, including on-site compliance reviews or additional penalties.
Examples of truck violations include faulty brakes, steering problems and cracked frame supports. Examples of drivers violations included exceeding the amount of time driving without a mandated rest period, failing to have the proper medical certifications where required and keeping incomplete or inaccurate log books.
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