Early Saturday morning, a Walmart tractor trailer crashed into the back of a limo bus carrying comedian Tracy Morgan and several others. One of the vehicle occupants, comedian James McNair, was killed in the crash. Morgan and the other vehicle occupants were injured, and the wreck caused further collisions on the Jersey turnpike. The comedians had been traveling to New Jersey after performing a show at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Delaware. The tractor trailer driver, Kevin roper, has since been charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto for the injuries which were sustained during the crash.
Tractor Trailer Laws and Debate
Roper had allegedly been awake for 24 hours prior to the wreck. There are strict laws in the United states concerning how long a tractor trailer driver is allowed to drive for, typically no longer than 11 hours in any 14 hour period, with at least 10 hours in between shifts. The allegations that the driver may have been operating outside of these laws has sparked debate regarding the “doctoring” of road logs. While the laws are in place to protect the drivers and the other vehicles on the road, it is widely believed that companies operate outside of these laws in order to make deadlines.
Walmart CEO Bill Simon came forward qwuickly after the accident and released the following statement: “This is a tragedy, and we are profoundly sorry that one of our trucks was involved. The facts are continuing to unfold. If it’s determined that our truck caused the accident, Walmart will take full responsibility.” Many have applauded the CEOs straight forward approach to the incident, but are still concerned that the laws and enforcement of them may have to be reevaluated to prevent future tragedies.