New York Truck Accident Prompts Call for Stiffer Penalties Against Unlicensed Drivers

January 8, 2014

Commercial truck drivers must undergo rigorous training on how to safely operate their vehicles before they are allowed on the road. However, some operators choose to drive theses large vehicles without going through the processes to receive a license, putting themselves and others in serious danger.

The Truck Accident Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices explain that some lawmakers in the state are aiming to combat this problem though by creating stiffer penalties for causing accidents that result while driving without a proper license. Reports indicate the movement is headed by Sen. Michael Gianaris.

According to an article from the Western Queens Gazette, current law only allows unlicensed motorists to be charged with misdemeanors if they cause crashes that harm others. But lawmakers are proposing making these infractions felony offenses. Furthermore, the changes call for unlicensed truckers’ vehicles to be impounded and their registrations to be issued immediately following such accidents.

The calls for change come just days after an 8-year-old boy was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer while crossing the street.

William Mattar’s Personal Injury Lawyers applaud the efforts being made to improve highway safety in New York and are hopeful the changes are successful in deterring motorists from attempting to drive without licenses.