Trucker Violated HOS Limits on Day of Fatal Crash
A truck driver was declared an imminent hazard by FMCSA after it was found that he had violated hours-of-service the day of an accident that killed three persons.
Image: FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Administration has declared Louisiana-licensed truck driver Mark Isiah Gordon an imminent hazard to public safety for his involvement in a fatal crash.
He is ordered not to operate any commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. FMCSA said Gordon was driving a loaded logging truck on Oct. 1 in Concordia Parish, La., when he crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic and collided head on with a pickup truck, killing three passengers and seriously injuring another.
Gordon had operated his truck beyond the 14-hour daily duty regulation on the day of the accident and was found to have exceeded his allowed hours-of-service in the seven days prior.
A post-crash inspection also revealed deficient brakes that required the vehicle to be placed out-of-service until repaired.
Other vehicle safety violations included a cracked frame, defective wheels and rims, as well as a defective axle and steering system.
Violating the imminent hazard order issued by FMCSA could result in penalties of up to $2,500 and a disqualification from operating a commercial vehicle for no less than 180 days for a first offense. A second offense increases penalties to $5,000 and disqualification from operating a commercial vehicle for no less than two years.
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