New York Audit Faults Commercial Vehicle Oversight

New York auditors say the Department of Transportation failed to adequately monitor whether commercial vehicles taken off the road for safety violations actually got needed repairs.

Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says lax oversight could put New York motorists in jeopardy.

Along with state police, DOT carries out safety oversight that includes roadside inspections that uncover violations for problems, like faulty brakes, considered serious enough to stop trucks until they’re fixed.

Regulations require repair certification within 15 days.

Auditors say 39 percent of certifications for 90,368 out-of-service violations on vehicles and drivers from Oct. 1, 2008 to June 17, 2013 were not submitted.

Driver violations include lacking medical certifications, inaccurate log books, and driving too long without rest.

DOT says it’s reviewing its tracking system to focus on poor performers.