California DMV fails to suspend truck driver after prior fatal crash, leading to another death

In June 2022, a fully loaded semi driven by Baljit Singh rear-ended the Chow family’s SUV on a Fresno highway, killing Jenny Chow while injuring her husband and son. Court records show Singh was also responsible for a July 2021 crash on Merle Haggard Drive that killed a 26-year-old motorcyclist, after which investigators noted his logbook had been destroyed and he had exceeded the 12-hour driving limit. Although California law permits revoking a commercial license for vehicular manslaughter, the DMV did not act until after Singh’s 2024 conviction, allowing him to remain on the road.

A broader review of over 130 commercial drivers revealed that nearly half retained valid licenses despite convictions or multiple traffic violations, and many manslaughter convictions were recorded with insufficient penalty points. The DMV says it relies on courts to notify it of relevant convictions and has recently begun updating its processes, but critics argue the agency’s inaction endangers public safety.