The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section (CVES) of the Massachusetts State Police has earned high marks for its work reducing heavy duty commercial motor vehicle accidents. But a deadly late-night incident exposed a gap in the so-called “Truck Team’s” enforcement efforts. It appears rogue trucking outfits took advantage of the fact few, if anyone, were on duty from 11 pm to 7 am.
The incident in question involved 25-year-old Jacob Brisbois from Princeton, MA. He and a companion reportedly pulled their motorcycles into the Route 190 breakdown lane near Lancaster. Brisbois was struck dead when a truck hauling an oversized crane swayed into the breakdown lane at approximately 1:30 am, before Monday morning traffic.
“I don’t get through a day without crying. It’s been horrible for all of us. He’ll never fall in love. He’ll never get married, have kids,” Donna Brisbois reportedly said. “I want justice for my son and I would like for this not to happen to any other family, because this is devastating. I’m trying to deal with this incredible grief even nine months later. It’s very, very hard.”
The alleged commercial motor vehicle operator, Jarod Hardaker, was reportedly charged with vehicular homicide and negligent operation. At the time, Hardaker was moving a Mantis crane to Rhode Island for a construction project. Although no Truck Team enforcement officers were on duty, State Police claimed the total weight was 146,100 pounds, exceeding the legal limit by 16,000 pounds. Overweight vehicle transporters are required to apply for special permits in Massachusetts.
“Hardaker is the manager of Assabet Heavy Hauling and schedules all of the heavy moves, especially the ones in the middle of the night, to avoid CVES,” according to a police report.
Court records reportedly show that Hardaker was issued 10 speeding tickets and a variety of motor carrier safety violations. He was also involved in a collision that injured a senior citizen operating a ride-on lawnmower. The family of the senior sued Hardaker, who pleaded not guilty in the death of Brisbois.
The overnight gap is squarely on the Truck Team’s radar after an anonymous whistleblower alerted State Police that Assabet Heavy Hauling routinely exploits the enforcement opening. Massachusetts State Police officials have gone on the record noting they do their level best to maximize their enforcement officers and resources. This typically means deploying units during peak trucking hours. However, since the fatal accident in June, upwards of 457 vehicles have been inspected between midnight and 5 am.
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