A recent investigation into the operations of a Midwest trucking company revealed some disturbing information. After discovering a number of safety violations relating to the drivers that were being hired, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has required the company to shut down.

The trucking company is U & D Service, Inc. and is an interstate commerce business. Illinois drivers may not have been aware of the danger that was possibly driving in the lane right beside them, but the risk of a truck accident could have been right there.

Under the law, a person who is driving a semi truck must possess a commercial driver's license. According to reports, the company frequently hired drivers who did not have a valid license to operate the huge trucks. Additionally, it was discovered that drivers did not always meet the standards of English proficiency. The drivers could not read or speak English well enough to be able to safely operate a vehicle on American roads.

The danger of having unlicensed drivers who may not be able to read or understand street signs cannot be overstated. Accidents are commonly caused by drowsy or distracted truck drivers already. By knowingly putting drivers on the road who were not properly trained, the trucking company amplified the hazards posed by trucks.

There are enough risks on the road without having to worry about these types of situations. Large commercial trucks are already dangerous because of their huge size and power. Getting into an accident with a truck typically leaves the victims seriously hurt or worse.

The FMCSA has ordered the company to shut down immediately and they may also request license revocation and fines for the drivers. Removing unsafe trucks and truck drivers from the road is of utmost importance. For those who have been hurt in a truck accident, it is important to determine accountability and investigate the factors that may have led to the accident.

Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, "U & D Service Declared an Imminent Hazard and Ordered to Immediately Cease All Operations," Feb. 7, 2012