Ben Franklin’s adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is something the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) probably wishes someone had taken to heart a long time ago. The agency recently prohibited an Illinois truck company from continuing in business after citing it as an imminent danger to the public’s safety following the death of a state toll worker and critical injuries to a state trooper.
The investigation into DND International of Naperville started after one of its truck drivers was involved in the fatal truck accident in January. The state trooper remains in intensive care three months after the accident.
The FMCSA determined that the company repeatedly and routinely violated federal trucking regulations by falsifying driver logbooks and disregarding regulations covering cumulative operating hours. The driver involved in the horrific January wreck is alleged to have falsified his logbook, as well. He faces federal and state charges in the accident.
FMCSA investigators also determined that the company’s drivers constantly ignored road regulations and had been issued citations across the country. The agency described DND as among the worst 12 percent of carriers in the country in terms of complying with hours-of-service regulations. At the time of the crash, however, the company was rated as “satisfactory.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says prohibiting a truck company from operating is necessary to protect the public if the company disregards safety regulations.
On the other hand, DND International’s legal counsel says the company has taken the necessary steps to deal with FMCSA’s safety concerns and will seek reinstatement so it can resume operations.
If a truck accident in Illinois injures a resident, the victim can seek the guidance of a legal advocate about what steps can be taken to recoup compensation from the responsible party. Truck accidents often lead to serious injuries and a victim may need a significant amount of compensation for medical expenses.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Feds order Naperville trucking company off road after fatal accident,” Mitch Smith and Kim Geiger, April 2, 2014
