Former drivers say trucking company in I-20 drowsy driving crash pressured them into unsafe driving

Former drivers for the trucking company involved in the fatal Interstate 20 drowsy driving crash earlier this summer say that the company would pressure them into unsafe driving practices. 

The June 28th crash happened on I-20 near Terrell, Texas when 27-year-old truck driver Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companion fell asleep at the wheel. Gonzalez-Companion then crashed into a line of stopped traffic, including three semi trucks and four passenger vehicles, in a construction zone. Five people died in the wreck. 

According to 8 ABC, the accident has attracted the attention of the National Transportation Safety Board and the Texas Department of Public Safety, which have launched an investigation into the incident. So far, the investigation has revealed dubious information regarding ownership and location of the company Gonzalez-Companion was working for – Hope Trans. Now, former truck drivers have come forward to state that Hope Trans would pressure them into unsafe driving practices such as falsifying log books, backdating paperwork, and exceeding HOS regulations. 

The semi truck involved in the fatal crash reportedly had false registration documentation. This registration issue has resulted in an arrest warrant, but authorities have not released details on the warrants. Hope Trans. is still authorized to operate interstate as the NTSB continues their investigation.

On August 1st, Gonzalez-Companion was indicted on five counts of manslaughter and four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Gonzalez-Companion is currently being held on bonds totaling $2.25 million.