It is tragic that at least fifteen people have died in that fatal bus crash, involving a Vietnamese Church Group from Houston, Texas. And when you find out that the bus itself was unlicensed and that the bus driver had his license but that his medical has expired back in May and that he had at least ticket for Driving Under the Influence, or DUI.
According to the story in Yahoo, the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration cited the bus company for lax drug and alcohol testing and using a driver before running before receiving the results on his preemployment screening test. Further reviews will show whether the driver was actually responsible for the fatal crash, or whether it was a result of a tire blow out.
No matter what, at least sixteen people are dead, so far, and dozens are injured. Witnesses claimed there were injured passengers screaming and all over the wreck scene.
No doubt, this is pretty horrible. But when something like this is this horrible, people looked for faults. The bus company is ruined. The lesson here is to make sure you are in compliance with all safety regulations and make sure your workers undergo stringent employment background searches.
Too often we have seen where clients are shocked by the poor driving records of some of their prize employment candidates. Sometimes even current drivers have neglected to tell them about their issues with suspended or revoked drivers’ license or DUI’s. And then come the accidents followed by the law suits, the disgrace and embarrassment. And finally there is the realization that you as an employer may have been responsible for someone’s death or injury.
DMV/MVR Driving Reports will tell you more than just how someone has been driving. They reveal aspects of behavior patterns you want to know about, before it is too late.
Check them out before you hire.
