A freak accident that killed a New Hampshire woman has led to a new rule which requires certain commercial truck drivers to carry written certification that they’ve performed a pretrip inspection on their vehicle, and that it’s safe for use.
Kerry Anderson-Baker was killed in 2013, after being struck by tire that dislodged from a semi hauling an oversized load. An investigation determined that the rig was in poor condition and should not have been on the road.
According to the Concord Monitor, the new rule will require drivers “to attest in writing that they have personally inspected their vehicles, including their brakes, lights, wheels and tires, among other components.”
The rule only applies to drivers hauling oversized loads through the state of New Hampshire.
Drivers who do not have a letter indicating that a proper pretrip was performed will be subject to various penalties, including an on-the-spot roadside inspection, fines, or criminal charges.
Richard Shute, of the New Hampshire State Police, said that the state hasn’t changed any laws, because drivers are required to perform a pretrip inspection anyway. “All we’ve asked is that carriers doing these moves memorialize that they’ve taken all the appropriate action,” he added.