FMCSA shuts down driver after two fatal crashes

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An Ohio-based truck operator has been issued an effective shutdown order (an imminent hazard out-of-service order) by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration after his involvement in two fatal crashes in which he struck individuals along the side of the road.

Doug A. Jones, who was served the order December 27, has been forbidden to operate a commercial truck in interstate commerce. FMCSA says twice in the past six months Jones “struck an individual while operating a tractor-trailer” and “in both instances, the individual was killed.”

The first was last July, when Jones’ truck hit a man who was standing near his car, which had broken down on the shoulder, on I-81 in Pennsylvania. After the crash, Jones was charged with careless driving causing the death of another person, speeding and improperly changing lanes.

Later, in December, Jones’ truck edged into the shoulder and struck a construction worker standing next to a parked vehicle along U.S. Highway 33 in Ohio. After hitting the man, Jones did not stop and continued to drive, and law enforcement is still investigating the crash, FMCSA says.