Truck Accident in Texas Leaves Both Drivers Dead
A tractor trailer fell from the Woodall Rodgers Freeway ramp and landed on top of a Ford Focus, killing both drivers.
According to police, the tractor trailer was hauling a load of metal pipe that apparently shifted as the tractor trailer was driving on the ramp. Police are investigating if speed was a factor in the crash. It sounds like the metal pipe was not secured properly. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation § 393.124 explains in great detail, the proper way to secure certain types of pipe. The obligation to properly secure the rests with the truck company and the truck driver.
The truck driver was working for an Austin, TX motor carrier, Texas Land & Air Co. The carrier has approximately 19 power units and 56 drivers. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Texas Land & Air Co. was involved in (7) truck accidents during the previous two years. All of the truck crashes were reported to be in Texas.
In addition, during the past two years, Texas Land & Air Co.’s drivers were cited for numerous violations, including but not limited to:
1. 395.3(A)(2) 14 hour rule violation;
2. 391.11(B)(5) Not licensed for type vehicle being operated;
3. 395.3(B) 60/70 hour rule violation (Property); and
4. 395.8(A) No drivers record of duty status.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also reports Texas Land & Air Co.’s drivers, over the past (30) months, have received (9) speeding violations and (2) failure to obey traffic control devices. Additionally, in the past (30) months Texas Land & Air Co.’s drivers were cited for the following motor carrier violations (this is not an all inclusive list):
1. 392.9(A)(2) Failing to secure vehicle equipment;
2. 393.75(F)(2) Tire under-inflated;
3. 393.126 Fail to ensure intermodal container secured;
4. 393.19 No/defective turn/hazard lamp as required;
5. 393.209(D) Steering system components worn/welded/missing;
6. 393.45 Brake tubing and hose adequacy;
7. 393.47(E) Clamp/roto type brake(s) out-of-adjustment;
8. 393.75(A)(2) Tire-tread and/or sidewall separation; and
9. 392.9 Driver load securement.
Despite Texas Land & Air Co.’s driver’s previous truck crashes, citations and violations, the truck company held a “satisfactory” safety rating from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at the time of this truck accident.
