Truck Accident News

Trucker In Fiery Tanker Crash Stirs Questions On Screening

OAKLAND Tough rules enacted after Sept. 11, 2001, were designed to strictly limit who can transport hazardous materials on the nation's highways, but experts say a growing truck driver shortage and inconsistent enforcement mean people with checkered backgrounds often pass the screening process.

Trucker James Mosqueda, 51, whose gasoline-loaded tanker burned and caused the collapse of a highway overpass, cleared an FBI criminal history check and an intelligence review from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration despite criminal convictions, including felony drug and burglary arrests.

The TSA said Tuesday that a review of Mosqueda's criminal record confirmed he had a valid tanker license because his last stint in jail, for heroin possession, ended more than five years ago. But lawmakers and industry experts are questioning rules that allowed someone with his background to operate a truck loaded with more than 8,000 gallons of gasoline. ead more at democrats.assembly.ca.gov.

Contact our lawyer now If you have experienced personal injuries or substantial income loss as a result of a truck accident in Maryland. Our lawyers are here to give you a free case review and to fight for you in court.

	Did You Know?
	A Driver May Be On Duty For More Than 14 Hours. A driver may remain on duty for more than 14 hours; however, the driver cannot drive a CMV after the 14th hour after coming on duty. Also, the additional on-duty time will reduce on-duty time available under the 60/70-hour time limit.