A tragic crash in Colorado has sparked a powerful advocacy movement, led by Deann Miller, the widow of Scott Miller, who was killed in June 2024 in a preventable highway accident. Now, Miller is calling for sweeping reforms in the trucking industry to improve safety and accountability — particularly around driver licensing and employer responsibility.
Scott Miller died on Highway 285 when steel piping came loose from a semi-truck driven by Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza, who lost control of the vehicle. Cruz-Mendoza was later discovered to be an undocumented immigrant who had been deported over a dozen times and lacked a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Despite the severity of the crash, Cruz-Mendoza was initially charged with only a misdemeanor traffic offense and sentenced to 364 days in jail. He was released after serving 293 days and transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Shocked by the leniency of the charges and driven by the need to protect others, Deann Miller took it upon herself to notify ICE about Cruz-Mendoza’s scheduled release, ensuring that federal authorities remained informed. She described the day of her husband’s death as her own life sentence, emphasizing the deep personal loss experienced by her family.
Now turning grief into action, Miller is championing the Secure and Safe Roads Act, introduced in Arkansas, and is working toward similar legislation in Wyoming and her home state of Colorado. Her reform efforts target critical areas within the trucking industry, including:
- Banning foreign-issued CDLs that may not meet U.S. safety standards.
- Reinstating English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers, a former federal mandate.
- Increasing employer accountability for hiring unqualified or undocumented drivers.
Miller warns that many drivers on American roads may not have undergone the same training and testing as U.S.-licensed drivers, potentially putting lives at risk. She argues that current regulations and enforcement practices allow unsafe drivers to operate heavy commercial vehicles, creating a dangerous environment for all motorists.
In the aftermath of the crash, it was revealed that Cruz-Mendoza worked for Monique Trucking, a company with a troubling safety record. Although it had accrued numerous citations over the years, the company was not deemed an imminent hazard until after the fatal crash.
Motor carrier safety officials in Colorado acknowledge the growing concerns and discussions around these issues. However, many also highlight the need to hold trucking companies more accountable for failing to properly vet and monitor the drivers they employ.
As Deann Miller continues to advocate for systemic change, her message remains clear: “It just was wrong what happened, and I don’t want anyone else to have to lose somebody like I lost my love.” Her efforts aim to ensure safer roads by tightening regulations and preventing unqualified drivers from endangering the public.
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