RALEIGH, N.C. — The truck driver whose failure to maneuver an oversized rig through a railroad crossing derailed an Amtrak train and injured 55 people this week is a convicted felon with a long history of traffic citations, court records show.
John Devin Black, 43, has been cited for at least a dozen traffic violations, including speeding and driving with a revoked license multiple times, according to records reviewed and confirmed by The Associated Press.
In Illinois, Black was arrested in December 2012 and charged with exceeding the permitted weight limit on his load. He was quickly released on a $177 secured bond, but then failed to appear in court the following month.
Black also served prison time in 1997 after being convicted of felony child abuse in North Carolina, and his other criminal convictions include assaulting a woman, violating a domestic violence protective order, and repeatedly writing worthless checks.
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8 comments:
What is the background of the cop escort? Seems that cop is a bit to blame for not contacting the railroad dispatcher. I am sure the driver was doing all he could to cross. Too bad the cop with all the high dollar communication devices did not call.
There's nothing in the rules that disqualifies a driver with a criminal record from getting a commercial license, as long as the crime wasn't committed while driving a truck, he said.
at least the guy had a job, damn.
I would hold the company responsible. They should have planned out the route and made sure there wouldn't be any obstacles along the way including timing the move to not impede railroad traffic. Poor prior planning leads to disaster.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
I would hold the company responsible. They should have planned out the route and made sure there wouldn't be any obstacles along the way including timing the move to not impede railroad traffic. Poor prior planning leads to disaster.
March 14, 2015 at 7:48 PM
Try reading the article or know something about which you speak.
They have to plan their route and submit it when they get their permit to haul such loads.
No different than the criminals driving around here with 6-12 DUI's.
Ban all trucks. They're dangerous!
11:39 I read the article. I should have written "they should have planned their route better...". The sentence "Poor prior planning leads to disaster." implies there was a plan. However I will bow to your superior intelligence.
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