Posted on 03/28/2026 8:45:17 AM PDT by yesthatjallen
BATAVIA, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York Republicans are calling for a sweeping audit of the state's commercial driver licensing system after a deadly tour bus crash in Pembroke.
The crash killed five people and injured more than 40. The driver, 56-year-old Bin Shao of New York, has been indicted on multiple counts of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
Republican State Senator George Borrello and Nassau County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman gathered in Batavia on Friday to demand a full review of the state's licensing process.
The leaders accused the state and Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul's administration of prioritizing politics over public safety.
Borrello noted that Shao required a Mandarin interpreter in court, arguing that language barriers pose serious risks for those driving commercial vehicles.
"Someone who cannot speak, understand and comprehend English should not have a CDL license," Borrello said. "New York State is the worst when it comes to giving CDL licenses to people who are not qualified."
SNIP
(Excerpt) Read more at wkbw.com ...
Use of the word “crash” instead of accident says something...was it intentional or simply irresponsible behavior?
Ok; irresponsible behavior. BY THE STATE AGENCY ISSUING A LICENSE TO HIM.
I heard elsewhere that the driver fell asleep at the wheel. But is it true?
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