Two Fatal Truck Accidents Raise Questions About DMV Oversight
Two deadly truck accidents involving the same driver have raised concerns over the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) oversight of commercial driver’s licenses. The incidents occurred on April 15, 2025, and March 6, 2026.
In the first accident, Baljit Singh, driving a semitruck, collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of a 26-year-old male rider. Despite this incident, authorities reported that Singh’s commercial driver’s license remained active.
Almost a year later, Singh was responsible for another fatal accident, this time killing 38-year-old Jenny Chow, a mother of two. Witnesses reported that Chow was returning home from visiting colleges with her son when Singh’s vehicle struck her car.
Following these incidents, the DMV took action against Chow’s widower, Loren, threatening to seize his home due to alleged late vehicle registration payments on the damaged SUV. “The death was completely avoidable. That accident never should have happened,” Loren Chow stated.
Investigative reporters from CalMatters found that nearly half of commercial drivers charged with vehicular manslaughter over a five-year period retained valid licenses. “State law empowers the agency to investigate drivers involved in fatal and serious-injury collisions and suspend their licenses,” the report stated, noting a trend of inaction from the DMV.
The investigations into Singh’s driving record and the DMV’s regulatory practices remain ongoing as authorities assess the circumstances surrounding both tragic incidents. Further details and updates on this story can be found on CalMatters.