Survivors of Tracy Morgan Crash Sue Walmart
July 14, 2014
The June 7 New Jersey Turnpike truck crash that left comedian James McNair dead and actor Tracy Morgan in critical condition has caused quite a debate in the trucking industry. Very few facts have been revealed in the case, leaving much room for speculation.
However, new details have been discovered after a suit was filed by four victims (including Tracy Morgan) of the now-infamous crash. These new details make one thing clear: The driver, Kevin Roper, had not slept in a very long time.
Although the National Transportation Safety Board in its preliminary crash report said Roper was within his hours-of-service limits, both in on-duty time and in driving time, they failed to factor in the driver’s off-duty commute time. The lawsuit notes that Roper had to drive 700 miles to the Walmart terminal where he worked before his on-duty time began.
See the full story here:
Suit Against Walmart in Tracy Morgan Crash Claims Carrier Violated Hours Rules
New Facts in Tracy Morgan Crash
June 30, 2014
The crash heard across the land – the crash that injured actor Tracy Morgan, killed fellow comedian James McNair, and sparked a national HOS debate – is just now coming into the light. Real, actual facts have been revealed alas!
Here are the new facts in the Tracy Morgan Crash:
The National Transportation Safety Board recently released its findings. The truck driver, Kevin Roper, was not over his allowable hours. This fact is indisputable thanks to the electronic logs installed in Walmart trucks.
However, Roper was speeding. The report said that the driver was travelling 65 mph in a 45 mph zone. It also noted that he was traveling at 65 mph for 60 seconds before the crash. That means he had little time to apply the brakes.
The report did not say why he failed to apply his brakes, but we’re sure to see plenty of speculation on that in the days to come.
Tracy Morgan Crash Puts Spotlight on Trucker Fatigue
June 9, 2014
After Walmart truck driver Kevin Roper triggered last week’s fatal highway crash that injured Tracy Morgan and killed another comedian, a criminal complaint was released stating that Roper was operating the truck “without having slept for a period in excess of 24 hours resulting in a motor vehicle accident”.
The basis for this assertion has not been specified, and the reason for the driver’s lack of sleep has not come to light either.
Currently, federal regulations permit truck drivers to work up to 14 hours a day, with a maximum of 11 hours behind the wheel. Then, they must have a minimum of 10 hours off between work shifts to sleep. It is possible for drivers to work a maximum of 60 or 70 hours a week, depending on the type of company they work for.
The National Transportation Safety Board is working with state police to identify any issues in the crash that relate to commercial trucking and limousine safety. Meanwhile, safety advocates say they hope the accident will help their case.
Dave Osiecki (VP of the American Trucking Association), says no regulations can prevent a driver from making “bad choices”.
Wal-Mart President Bill Simon said in a statement that the company “will take full responsibility” if authorities determine its truck caused the accident.