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 New Mexico. Our lawyers are here to give you a free case review and to fight for you in court.

	Did You Know?
	Trucking Carriers And Drivers Are Required To Comply With The New Hours-Of-Service Rules. Carriers and drivers were required to operate under the former rules through January 3, 2004. That allowed adequate time for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), regulated industry, and the enforcement community to be trained and make any systems changes required by the new rules. Compliance with the new rules was required starting January 4, 2004.