A deadly crash on Florida’s Turnpike exposes the dangers of lax licensing policies for unauthorized migrants.
On Aug. 12, near Fort Pierce, Florida, a semi-truck driven by Harjinder Singh, a migrant from India who entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, veered across lanes, triggering a fatal collision, as Breitbart reports. The incident, captured on the truck’s dashcam, left three Americans dead and shut down the highway for hours. Singh now faces vehicular homicide charges and an ICE detainer, with Florida officials vowing deportation after his sentence.
Singh, who obtained a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in California, exploited a system that allows non-residents, including unauthorized migrants, to operate massive 18-wheelers. California’s permissive policies have drawn scrutiny, as they enable individuals with limited English proficiency to navigate complex U.S. highways. This tragedy underscores the reckless gamble of such leniency.
The crash unfolded when Singh’s northbound semi-truck abruptly crossed all lanes to use an “official use only” turn, a maneuver reserved for authorized vehicles. A Chrysler Town & Country, unable to avoid the trailer, collided head-on. Two occupants died instantly, and a third succumbed at a hospital, leaving families shattered.
“Three people lost their lives as a result of his recklessness,” said Dave Kerner, Executive Director of Florida’s Department of Highway Safety. Kerner’s words ring hollow when California’s loose regulations allowed Singh behind the wheel of a 40-ton vehicle. The system failed these victims long before the crash.
The Florida Turnpike, a vital artery for commuters and travelers, was paralyzed for hours in both directions. Dashcam footage, now public, reveals the chaos of Singh’s sudden maneuver. Such reckless driving demands accountability, not just from the driver but from the policies that enabled him.
Singh’s CDL, issued in California, raises questions about how unauthorized migrants gain access to such high-stakes credentials. The state’s decision to grant licenses to non-residents, including tourists and those here illegally, prioritizes inclusivity over safety. This progressive agenda now carries a body count.
Florida officials are clear: Singh will face justice, then deportation. Yet, the broader issue festers—how many more unqualified drivers are on American roads? The death toll on U.S. highways is climbing, with some pointing to migrant drivers who struggle with English as a factor.
Sean Duffy, Trump administration Transportation secretary, has stepped in, directing federal highway safety offices to enforce laws requiring foreign drivers to read English. This move, long overdue, aims to plug the gaps exploited by drivers like Singh. But will it be enough to curb the chaos?
Singh’s illegal entry via the U.S.-Mexico border in 2018 set the stage for this preventable tragedy. His ability to secure a CDL despite his status highlights a dangerous disconnect between immigration enforcement and public safety. Border policies and highway regulations shouldn’t be a deadly mix.
“Countless friends and family members will experience the pain of their loss forever,” Kerner noted, pinning the blame squarely on Singh’s actions. Yet, California’s enabling policies share the spotlight, turning a blind eye to the risks of unqualified drivers. It’s a bureaucratic betrayal of American lives.
The ICE detainer on Singh ensures he won’t slip through the cracks post-sentence. Florida’s commitment to deporting him sends a signal: actions have consequences. But the state’s resolve can’t undo the damage of a system that let Singh drive in the first place.
The rising death toll on U.S. highways, partly attributed to migrant drivers, demands a reckoning. Language barriers and unfamiliarity with U.S. traffic laws create a perfect storm for disasters like this. Ignoring these realities isn’t compassion -- it’s negligence.
Singh’s arrest and impending deportation are steps toward justice, but they don’t address the root cause. California’s licensing free-for-all must face scrutiny, as must the broader failure to prioritize road safety over political correctness. Three lives were lost; how many more will it take?
This tragedy on the Florida Turnpike isn’t just about one driver’s recklessness -- it’s a wake-up call. Policies that put unqualified drivers behind the wheel of deadly machines must end. America’s highways deserve better.
