Tracy Morgan Critically Injured in Truck Accident
Comedian Tracy Morgan is in critical condition after suffering a broken rib, leg, femur and nose after being struck by a sleepy Walmart truck driver. The truck driver turned himself into police and was released on a $50,000 bond. He is charged with homicide and assault with an auto, as another man was also killed in the truck accident, Morgan’s fellow comedian James McNair. According to reports, the accident occurred on Saturday about 11 a.m. on the turnpike in Mercer County, New Jersey when Roper failed to observe slow moving traffic ahead of him. At the last minute, Roper attempted to swerve around a Mercedes limo bus but was unsuccessful and struck the vehicle from behind. The limo then rotated and overturned, killing McNair and injuring Morgan and several others, many of whom are comedians.
Department of Transportation Issued Regulations to Limit Truck Driver Fatigue Last Year
Last year, the DOT issued new regulations to limit truck driver fatigue. Those regulations include: that the maximum work week cannot exceed 70 hours, and those that exceed 70 hours of work in a week must rest for 34 hours including at least two nights of rest between the hours of 1-5 a.m., and a mandatory 30 minute break during the first eight hours of a shift. Walmart says that it is waiting for the investigation of the accident to be completed and says that it will take full responsibility for the accident if authorities determine its truck caused the accident. Morgan underwent surgery last week, and is “more responsive” now according to his family. Fellow comedian McNair will be remembered fondly for his mentorship of Morgan and Morgan’s ex-wife, Sabina Morgan.
Prosecutor Says Truck Driver Hadn’t Slept for 24 Hours at Time of Accident
Roper, a 35-year-old Jonesburg, GA resident faces an initial court appearance on Wednesday of this week. The criminal complaint filed by the prosecutor against Roper alleges that he had not slept for 24 hours at the time of the accident. The driver of the limo that Morgan and his fellow comedians were riding in says that he was disillusioned when he was struck by the truck and it flipped over. He heard Morgan yelling for help, but he climbed on top of the limo when he realized that he could not reach the passengers. The National Transportation Safety Board is working with state police to look at any issues related to commercial trucking and limo safety.
