Ohio truck driver declared hazard after deaths in two incidents

An Ohio truck driver has been declared an imminent hazard to the public for allegedly twice striking and killing someone while driving in the past six months.

One of the people killed was working on a disabled vehicle. The other was a highway construction worker.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has ordered Ohio-licensed truck driver Doug A. Jones to not operate any commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. He was served the federal imminent hazard out-of-service order on Dec. 27.

On July 2, 2018, Jones allegedly struck a man who was standing near his disabled vehicle on the right shoulder of Interstate 81 in Lebanon County, Pa. Jones was charged with careless driving causing 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 movement can be made safely; and failing to wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt system.

On Dec. 7, 2018, Jones allegedly drove his truck onto the fog line (the white line designating the roadway shoulder), striking a highway construction worker who was standing next to a parked vehicle along U.S. Highway 33 in Union County, Ohio. After striking the construction worker, Jones allegedly did not stop but continued to drive. The case remains under investigation by Union County law enforcement officials.

Failure to comply with the provisions of a federal imminent hazard out-of-service order may result in action by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for equitable relief and punitive damages. Civil penalties of up to $1,848 may be assessed for each day a commercial motor vehicle is operated in violation of the order. Knowing and/or willful violation of the order also may result in criminal penalties.

Jones also may be subject to a civil penalty enforcement proceeding brought by FMCSA for his violation of the agency’s safety regulations.