Tracy Morgan Crash Puts Spotlight on Trucker Fatigue

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.