A woman was killed, a truck driver’s CDL was revoked, and the driver’s company is facing a federal audit and possible sanctions after a tragic accident in Ohio that authorities say highlights the need for strict log book adherence.
Amy Schneider, 42, of South Bloomfield, MI, died on the scene after a semi truck driven by Tracy Ferrell rear-ended her car and another vehicle in Circleville, OH on Sept. 11 of this year.
While the accident is tragic enough, a subsequent investigation by the Michigan State Police determined that Ferrell had “repeatedly and excessively falsified his driver on-duty records throughout the five-week period prior to the crash thereby significantly exceeding federal on-duty time limitations designed to prevent fatigued driving by commercial truck and bus operators,” according the FMCSA web site.
Ferrell, who tried to hide his driving log book after the accident, is suspected of being asleep at the wheel at the time of the accident. He is currently charged with tampering with evidence, and more charges may follow depending on the results of a toxicology test.
In addition to criminal charges, Ferrell’s Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) has been revoked. On October 16, the FMCSA issued a federal order declaring Ferrell to be an “imminent hazard to public safety and has ordered him not to operate any commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce,” the 10th such order in 2013.
“It is unacceptable for a truck or bus company, or any of its drivers, to disregard the law and put travelers at risk,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “We will continue our aggressive efforts to prevent unsafe commercial drivers from getting behind the wheel and endangering the public.”
The accident may also have additional consequences for Ferrell’s employer, Fleet Quest LLC of Grand Rapids, MI. According to a WSYX ABC6 report, Fleet Quest was rated poorly by the U.S. Department of Transportation for driver fitness, hours of service compliance, and unsafe driving practices. This year, federal inspectors found that Fleet Quest drivers drove beyond the federal recommendations in six states, and other violations included driving too many hours at once, following too close, and improper lane changes.
As a result of the accident and prior poor compliance, Fleet Quest, which was last audited in 2010, is facing another audit and possible sanctions, according to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.
The accident highlights the need for owner-operators and trucking companies to adhere to federal log book guidelines, including the required 30 minute break after 8 hours on duty, driving only up to 11 hours a day after 10 hours off duty or in the sleeper berth, not driving after 70 hours on duty in the last 8 days, and adhering to the 34 hour reset requirements. To make sure your drivers are in federal compliance, contact Office Tenders for log book auditing services.
