
CONIFER, Colo. (KDVR) — Investigators into the deadly U.S. 285 crash that led to a trucker’s arrest learned the semi had not been inspected in years, and the driver — accused of operating without a commercial driver’s license — had been convicted of traffic crimes.
Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza, 47, was arrested Tuesday night on counts of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, reckless driving and driving a commercial vehicle without a commercial driver’s license.
Colorado State Patrol has said Cruz-Mendoza side-swiped five vehicles he was trying to pass on the highway near Conifer, killing one person and seriously hurting another in the crash that resulted. The semi jack-knifed across the highway, also spilling its load of pipe and angle iron.
A driver hit by the 18-wheeler said it was traveling about 60 to 80 miles per hour. Another witness told FOX31 he could feel a gust of wind as the truck blew by.
“We could hear his engine just roaring as he tried to slow down and the people were getting out of his way,” Matt Olson said.
What can be done about untrained truckers?
Trucking industry experts tell the Problem Solvers the crash reveals a serious issue with consistent commercial driver’s license certification across state and national borders.
Commercial trucking industry expert Jason Emery, CEO of Excel Driver Services, told FOX31 that enforcing certification is crucial to keeping roads safer.
“Basic training only covers basic training to CDL standards, which we do,” Emery said. “The carrier themselves is responsible for the training and knowledge associated with the specific types of loads they operate.”
An arrest affidavit shows Cruz-Mendoza allegedly told troopers his brakes went out, but investigators measuring skids on the pavement determined the truck’s brakes were working, although well below the minimum requirements.
Investigators report the truck had not been inspected since 2020. Colorado State Patrol also learned that Cruz-Mendoza was convicted of speeding and operating without lawfully required equipment in 2022.
Cruz-Mendoza is being held on a $50,000 cash bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 18.
The Colorado Department of Transportation told FOX31 that a study targeted the 53-mile corridor of U.S. 285 between Foxton Road and Fairplay for safety improvements because of speeding and drunk drivers.
FOX31 is waiting for information from Colorado State Patrol about the number of crashes along U.S. 285 but learned earlier this year that more than 30 semitrucks use runaway ramps each year along Interstate 70 between Vail and the Eisenhower Tunnel.
The Motor Carriers Association, State Patrol and CDOT launched the Mountain Rules Truck Safety Campaign to to provide more training for drivers.
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