The recent triple-fatal crash on a Florida highway has raised alarms about safety oversight concerning commercial drivers. The driver, Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant from India, made an illegal U-turn that led to a catastrophic collision with a minivan, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Singh was arrested and faces charges of vehicular homicide.
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin revealed that Singh entered the United States unlawfully in 2018. His work authorization request was denied under the Trump administration in 2020. Yet, Singh, who reportedly does not speak English, still managed to secure a driver’s license in multiple states, including California where the crash occurred. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) highlighted these lapses, stating Singh’s inability to pass an English language proficiency test, essential for truck drivers operating large vehicles.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated, “If states had followed the rules, this driver would never have been behind the wheel, and three precious lives would still be with us.” He emphasized that poor regulatory enforcement contributes to dangerous conditions on the roads. Duffy pointed specifically to “non-enforcement and radical immigration policies” that have allowed unqualified foreign drivers to acquire licenses, creating what he described as a “lawless frontier” within the trucking industry.
The circumstances around Singh’s licensing are troubling. Investigators found that Singh was issued a commercial driver’s license in California despite his language barriers. This oversight points to significant flaws in both state and federal authorities’ handling of driver qualifications and immigration enforcement.
McLaughlin also directed blame at California’s Department of Motor Vehicles for contributing to this tragedy, claiming that their actions resulted in the tragic loss of life. In turn, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom defended the state’s department, asserting that federal law had been followed and emphasizing the confusion surrounding Singh’s work authorization status.
This incident underscores the urgent need for reforms in how commercial driving qualifications are managed, particularly concerning non-English speakers and immigrants. As families mourn their losses, the discourse surrounding immigration policy and road safety will continue to evolve.
"*" indicates required fields
