Month: July 2013

FMCSA Declares Lynette’s Limousine Service to Be an Imminent Hazard to Public Safety, Orders Company to Immediately Shut Down

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On July 30th 2013 a Massachusetts based limousine service was ordered to immediately cease all operations after U.S. Department of Transportation officials deemed its vehicles and drivers an imminent hazard to public safety.

Lynette’s Limousine Service, which operates a fleet of 20 vehicles consisting of limousines, stretch limousines, specialty vans, a motor coach, and other vehicles, was given a shut-down order from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that effectively ceased the company’s ability to legally engage in the business of the transportation of passengers for hire across state lines.

The shut-down follows an investigation by an FMCSA “quick strike” team established in April to conduct intensified investigations of high-risk passenger carriers.

Federal investigators found that Lynette’s Limousine Service failed to systematically and properly inspect, repair or maintain its vehicles and allowed vehicles that had failed safety inspections to transport passengers. Investigators also found that company owners failed to monitor and ensure that its drivers complied with hours-of-service requirements, dispatched unqualified drivers to transport passengers and failed to ensure drivers complied with controlled substances and alcohol use testing regulations.

By utilizing the services of Bravo Zulu, your company can avoid these types of shut-down orders which can result in costly fines, personnel and vehicle downtime and damage to your reputation.  Call Bravo Zulu today to find out how they can help your operation get into compliance with the federal regulations.

To see the FMCSA’s Imminent Hazard Operations Out-of-Service Order check out:

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/about/news/2013/LynettesLimousineService.pdf

Governor Cuomo Announces Increased Fines for Distracted Driving Violations

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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on July 26 that new and increased fines for distracted driving violations, which includes texting-while-driving or using an electronic handheld device while driving, are now in effect.

“Distracted driving has become a frightening epidemic on our roadways, and fines are an important tool to punish and prevent this reckless behavior,” Gov. Cuomo said in a press release on July 26th 2013.

“Combined with stronger penalties on your license and increased enforcement, these increased fines will send a tough message to all drivers that distracted driving is a serious problem with serious consequences,” he said.

“Using a multi-pronged approach to combat this dangerous habit will make drivers think twice before using their cellphones behind the wheel. As New York’s law enforcement patrols our highways and roads this summer, we are warning drivers: don’t text-and-drive or you will pay for it.”

For distracted driving violations that occur on or after July 26, 2013, there are new minimum fines and higher maximum fines:

  • For a first offense, the minimum fine is $50 and maximum fine increases to $150.
  • For a second offense committed within 18 months, the minimum fine is $50 and the maximum fine increases to $200.
  • For a third or subsequent offense committed within 18 months, the minimum fine is $50 and the maximum fine increases to $400.

Long Island drivers attending one of Bravo Zulu’s Defensive Driving Courses can save 10% on their automobile insurance (for three years), take up to 4 points off of their driving record and keep themselves up to date on all the important changes to the driving laws in New York.  To sign up for a course near you (courses are offered in Nassau and Suffolk counties) call Bravo Zulu at 888-272-8698 or enroll in the online class today!

For more information on the laws on cell phone use, texting or sending email while you operate a vehicle in NYS check out http://www.dmv.ny.gov/cellphone.htm