Trucker’s License Granted Despite Language and Driving Limitations
Fatal U-Turn by Indian Immigrant An Indian immigrant, Harjinder Singh, is facing charges of vehicular homicide after causing a crash that resulted in three fatalities. Singh, who had poor English skills, should not have been allowed to operate the semi-trailer he was driving, according to authoritie
Fatal U-Turn by Indian Immigrant
An Indian immigrant, Harjinder Singh, is facing charges of vehicular homicide after causing a crash that resulted in three fatalities. Singh, who had poor English skills, should not have been allowed to operate the semi-trailer he was driving, according to authorities.
Incident Details
On August 12, Singh made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce, crossing two lanes of traffic and ignoring a no U-turn sign. A minivan, unable to stop in time, collided with Singh’s rig and was dragged under the truck.
Investigation Findings
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) investigators assessed Singh’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) after the incident. He only answered two out of twelve verbal questions correctly and inaccurately identified one of four highway signs.
Licensing Controversy
Despite his limited English and lack of permanent residency, Singh was issued a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) by Washington state less than a month prior to the crash, on July 15, 2023. As an asylum seeker, he was awaiting a hearing to determine his refugee status.
Regulatory Failures
The FMCSA revealed that Singh had also received a non-domiciled CDL in California on July 23, 2024. While some states permit asylum seekers to obtain CDLs with work permits, Washington requires drivers to be US citizens or permanent residents, raising questions about how Singh acquired his licenses.
Impact of Policies on Trucking Safety
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the regulatory failures, claiming that if proper rules had been followed in both Washington and New Mexico, the tragic accident might have been prevented. The FMCSA is continuing its investigation to ensure accountability.
Continued Legal Ramifications
Singh now faces three counts of vehicular homicide, each potentially resulting in a 15-year prison sentence, along with automatic deportation as a felon. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a detainer for his deportation, citing public safety concerns.