In the wake of the terrible New Hampshire crash that killed 7 motorcyclists, the state of Massachusetts has suspended the driving privileges of an additional 869 drivers.  This brings the total of licenses suspended to 2,400.  The action comes after it was revealed that the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) failed to process unsafe driver notifications from other states.

At the time, Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, the driver that caused the crash still had a valid drivers license.  Had Massachusetts followed its own regulations, Zhukovskyy would have been stripped of his driving privileges.  As the result of the RMV’s failures, then Registrar of Motor Vehicles Erin Deveney, resigned.

Replacement and interim Registrar of Motor Vehicles Jamey Tesler has been empowered to review and make changes at the RMV.  In an interim report, Tesler also announced the creation of a new unit.  The unit is tasked with handling driver records for out-of-state violations as well as mail paper notices to other states.

Massachusetts lawmakers have launched reviews into the RMV’s operations.  In addition, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into Zhukovskyy’s employer Westfield Transport.

According to safety inspectors, the company had a less than stellar record.  Previous violations included drivers in possession of drugs, equipment and safety violations.  It has been reported that Zhukovskyy, was high either on opioids or methamphetamine and took his eyes off the road reaching for a drink.

Western Transport dissolved its corporate status one day after the first lawsuit was filed.

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