Driver in Deadly Ohio Crash Didn’t Speak English; Trump Administration Pushes for Stricter Truck Licenses

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has outlined the Trump administration’s initiative to tighten regulations regarding commercial driver’s licenses, particularly those issued to undocumented immigrants. This comes in response to a tragic accident in Ohio involving a driver from Uzbekistan who reportedly did not speak English, as well as the fatal incident involving a Pennsylvania state trooper struck by a driver with a commercial license from Massachusetts.

Duffy argues that revoking such licenses is essential for maintaining safety on American roads.

A 21-year-old man from India, identified as Jashanpreet Singh, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after causing a deadly collision in Southern California that resulted in the deaths of three people.

Singh admitted guilt to three counts of felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence related to a crash on Interstate 10 in October 2025. Authorities noted that Singh was driving a semi-truck when it collided with a slower-moving vehicle, causing several injuries along with the fatalities.

Reportedly, Singh is in the U.S. illegally, having crossed the southern border in 2022 and subsequently released by the Biden administration. He was first encountered by Border Patrol in California and was allowed to remain until further immigration inspection.

Dashcam footage of the incident reveals that Singh did not brake at all before crashing into the other vehicle.

Singh received his California commercial driver’s license in June 2025. In September, federal authorities intervened, pointing out compliance issues with such licenses and directed California to amend practices, like stopping new licenses for non-citizens and reviewing existing ones to ensure they met federal guidelines.

Singh’s license was granted despite potential disqualifying factors under the Department of Transportation’s emergency policy. California officials indicated his status was based on approved documentation, but federal authorities maintained he should not have been licensed at all under the new emergency provisions. Just days following his 21st birthday, when restrictions were lifted, Singh was involved in the fatal crash.

Toxicology tests later confirmed that Singh was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident.