EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso police have begun inspecting commercial trucks traveling toward Transmountain Road following a deadly crash on Monday that killed one person and injured nine others.
The inspections began Tuesday as part of the El Paso Police Department’s “Enough Is Enough” initiative, following a crash near Loop 375 and North Desert that involved a semi-truck and multiple vehicles.
Police said the truck driver reported brake failure while traveling downhill, causing the semi-truck to go through an intersection and strike multiple vehicles.
The crash killed 42-year-old Rene Perez-Ramirez and injured nine others.
The inspections are aimed at identifying potential safety issues as concerns grow about commercial truck traffic and safety on Transmountain Road.
Destiny Venecia reports on El Paso Police continue inspecting semi-trucks after deadly Transmountain area-crash (Credit: KFOX14)
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Royal Jones, president and CEO of Mesilla Valley Transportation, said he supports efforts to inspect commercial vehicles but believes preventing future crashes will require additional measures.
“It’s awful and preventable,” Jones said. “I’m glad they’re gonna check into things, but we gotta find the right way to stop this from happening.”
Jones said driver experience and the ability to safely navigate steep downhill grades are major concerns when it comes to commercial trucks traveling over the mountain.
He also suggested reviewing speed limits for trucks and said commercial vehicles should remain in the right lane while descending the mountain.
Jones recommended a speed of 35 mph or less for trucks traveling downhill.
“If you’re not ready to drive over a mountain, you shouldn’t be driving a truck on the highway,” Jones said.
Jones said Mesilla Valley Transportation conducts its own inspections of brakes, tires and other truck components.
However, he said additional precautions may be needed to reduce the risk of another deadly crash.
He also warned that excessive heat can affect braking systems during steep descents.
The new inspections come as officials look for ways to address commercial truck safety on Transmountain Road.
Police said inspections will continue while they work to determine an alternative, long-term solution.
Jones said he hopes the additional attention to truck safety will help prevent similar crashes in the future.
“Let’s just all be safe and hope this doesn’t happen again,” he said.
KFOX14/CBS4 will continue to follow developments in the police initiative and any additional safety measures announced for commercial traffic on Transmountain Road.
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