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Washington legislation passes bill increasing crew van safety
Wow…a law was needed.
It’s about time. Now if it’s only enforced. So many of those van drivers don’t speak English as a first language nor can they always understand written instructions. In many ways they’re just like the many CDL drivers who can’t find their way without a Garmin.
“A new law containing regulations”… a “teaser” worthy of high praise.
What are the regulations?
Up against a deadline, reporter’s
journalistic omissions occur; BT,DT I Know. Please follow up.
Something not completely different.,. for now…
Unregulated private van service was the result of deadheading in Trailways and “blue pooch buses.”
In the early '80’s drug and alcohol use by train crews, T&E, was a huge issue.
Random drug tests originated.
SPT did mean “sudden piss test,” not Southern Pacific.
And we, operating guys were going down, “positive for pot./.”
The story concludes that by sitting near the back of the bus there was so much.smoke in the air that you were likely to have a test show that you were a "user…
Bus deadheading…FINIS…The END…
What is the connection between the lead sentence and the rest of the story? Which union? How does collecting union dues improve safety?
Why just crew vans? Shouldn’t anyone transporting people for hire have to have a CDL? And why is a union taking on the role of safety regulator? This seems like a conflict of interest.
Given the danger on the highways which is very high compared to railroads, it is true that the ride to work would be more dangerous than running trains. Nor is it unique - most years more police officers are killed in auto accidents than are shot. And delivery van driver is one of the most hazardous jobs you can have.
While more regulations might improve safety, they won’t fundamentally change the underlying hazard level or make it safer than operating a train.
I don’t care how many more laws are passed, you can’t fix stupid. Drive in front of a train…you get hit. How is this law going to prevent dumb drivers from operating the vans? We don’t need more laws, we need smarter people.
I think Trains misquoted something.
The bill gives the state of Washington’s Utility & Transportation Commission(UTC) safety oversight of van services that provide crew transportation. Previously UTC did not(I think) have the authority to have safety oversight of operations where less then 15 passenger vehicles(ie vans) were used.
I stand to be corrected, but I think a CDL is required for drivers of all vehicles for hire. In Missouri, if the vehicle is a 15 passenger van or smaller, what is called a class E (CDL) license is required.
As a railway clerk for 38 years I oppose “outsourcing” our jobs. Doing our work, as crew hauling, is scabbing pure and simple. One of my bosses gushed about outsourcing. I was listening to the Hinckley sub radio one evening and the contract crew hauler (who I barely understood) was on the Staples sub and had to be directed back to Andover, MN.