Trucker Declared Imminent Hazard After Killing 2 Pedestrians

Ohio-licensed truck driver Doug A. Jones has been declared an imminent hazard to public safety by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration after fatally striking two people with his truck.

In a six-month period, Jones hit people with his truck in two separate occasions, killing both. On July 2, 2018, Jones hit a man who was standing near his disabled vehicle on the right shoulder of Interstate 81 in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. He was charged with careless driving causing the death of another person, driving a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, driving outside of a single lane before ascertaining if the move can be made safely, and failing to wear a seatbelt.

Just five months later, on Dec. 7, Jones drove his truck onto the shoulder of U.S. 33 in Union County, Ohio, striking a highway construction worker who was standing next to a parked vehicle. After hitting the man, Jones did not stop. This case remains under investigation by Union County law enforcement.

The FMCSA declaration prohibits Jones from operating any commercial vehicle in interstate commerce. In the declaration, FMCSA stated, “Your continued operation of a [commercial motor vehicle] substantially increases the likelihood of serious injury or death to you and the motoring public if not discontinued immediately.”

If Jones fails to comply with the out-of-service order he could be subject to civil penalties of up to $1,848 per day. Willful violation of the order may also result in criminal penalties. Jones also could be subject to a civil penalty enforcement proceeding brought by FMCSA.