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‘Meet the Putmans’ Family Files Federal Lawsuit Against North Carolina Trucking Company After Driver Ran Double Stop Sign, Killing Three and Leaving Multiple Members With Severe Brain and Spine Injuries — Lawsuit Says He May Have Been Texting and Lacked English Proficiency

By
Kristina
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TUSCOLA COUNTY, MICHIGAN — The Putman family, known from TLC’s reality television show “Meet the Putmans,” has filed a federal civil lawsuit against a North Carolina trucking company and its driver after a crash on September 26, 2025, killed three family members and left multiple others with severe, long-term injuries. The family was returning home from a high school football game at the time of the crash.

The lawsuit names PK Turbo LLC of North Carolina and driver Pavel Shchukin. The crash occurred at the intersection of Deckerville and Hurds Corner Roads in Tuscola County. The suit alleges Shchukin blew through a double stop sign and struck the driver’s side of the family’s vehicle.

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The Victims

Three family members were killed in the crash — patriarch Bill Putman, his wife Barb, and their daughter-in-law Megan Putman. The Tuscola County Medical Examiner ruled all three deaths as accidental.

Multiple other family members sustained serious injuries. Gia Putman was diagnosed with a severe traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, bleeding in the brain, a spinal fracture, and massive internal injuries. Noah Putman suffered a severe brain injury, brain bleeding, multiple spine fractures, a shoulder blade fracture, lung bruising, and knee and meniscus tears. Blake Putman — whose wife Megan was killed — sustained a neck fracture, broken nose, concussion, and lung bruises and continues to experience ongoing pain and neurological issues. Lulu Putman suffered broken bones in the pelvis and sacrum and a tendon injury. Alena Putman sustained a broken collarbone, serious concussion with loss of consciousness, dizziness, and nausea.

Beyond the physical injuries, the suit says family members who arrived at the scene within moments of the crash suffered extreme emotional trauma after witnessing their parents, spouses, children, and grandparents dead or dying.

What the Lawsuit Alleges

The suit accuses Shchukin of failing to stop at the double stop sign, failing to yield at the intersection, driving too fast, not paying attention, and possibly texting while driving. The suit also alleges Shchukin violated multiple traffic laws and did not meet English language proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers.

The lawsuit also holds PK Turbo LLC directly responsible, arguing the company should not have entrusted Shchukin with a commercial truck if he was not properly qualified, and that by doing so the company created a foreseeable danger to the public.

The Criminal Case

Shchukin was sentenced on December 10, 2025, to 365 days in jail with credit for 74 days already served. He pleaded no contest to three counts of moving violation causing death. In exchange, five additional counts of moving violation causing serious impairment of bodily function were dropped.

The family is seeking at least $75,000 in damages for wrongful death, injuries, and emotional trauma. Separately, the family has been lobbying Tuscola County to improve the intersection. The Tuscola County Road Commission unveiled plans earlier this month to upgrade that intersection and others with a history of serious crashes.

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CVSA Announces Operation Safe Driver Week July 12-18 — Focus on Reckless and Dangerous Driving, Speeding, Distracted Driving, and Seatbelt Violations

By
Kristina
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NORTH AMERICA — The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has announced that Operation Safe Driver Week will run July 12-18, 2026, with law enforcement across North America targeting unsafe driving behaviors by both commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers.

This year’s focus is reckless, careless, and dangerous driving — defined as operating a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others, or without due care and attention for other motorists and people on the road. During the week, drivers exhibiting unsafe behaviors will be identified by law enforcement and issued warnings or citations.

Unsafe driving behaviors targeted during the initiative include speeding, distracted driving, fatigued or drowsy driving, following too closely, impaired driving, failure to wear a seatbelt, unsafe lane changes, and disregarding traffic signals.

Why It Matters

According to NHTSA, 36,640 people were killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2025. Transport Canada’s National Collision Database shows an average of 2,000 motor vehicle fatalities annually in Canada. Mexico reported 15,979 road deaths in 2022. CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Program aims to reduce crashes caused by unsafe driving behaviors, which are largely preventable.

Education Component

Driver education is a major part of Operation Safe Driver Week alongside enforcement. CVSA offers resources for teen and new drivers, commercial motor vehicle drivers, and public service announcement videos available for download and distribution. Operation Safe Driver Week postcards are also available at no cost to CVSA industry and enforcement members.

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New Jersey Semi-Truck Driver Charged With Attempted Murder After Causing 8 Crashes on I-57 Road Rage, Then Pulling Driver From Wrecked Car and Attempting to Strangle Him

By
Kristina
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — A New Jersey semi-truck driver is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly driving recklessly on northbound Interstate 57 in Chicago on April 28, causing eight separate crashes, then getting out of his truck and attempting to strangle a driver he pulled from one of the wrecked vehicles.

Illinois State Police received reports of multiple crashes on I-57 northbound starting at 127th Street. Hassan A. Moutassim, 25, of Jersey City, New Jersey, allegedly drove his semi-truck recklessly through traffic, triggering eight crashes in succession. After the final crash near Halsted Street, Moutassim stopped his truck, got out, physically removed a driver from one of the crashed vehicles, and began beating him — including an attempt to strangle him. Officers arrived and took Moutassim into custody. The victim was transported to an area hospital with injuries.

On April 29, ISP Troop 3 troopers and Zone 1 Special Agents presented the case to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Moutassim was charged with the following:

• Attempted Murder — Class X Felony
• Aggravated Battery on a Public Way — Class 3 Felony
• Aggravated Battery — Strangulation — Class 3 Felony

He is being held pending his first court appearance.

Illinois State Police used the incident to remind drivers to keep their composure on the road. “Road Rage. Don’t Engage. If you are the victim of road rage or believe a driver is following or harassing you, call 911 and/or go to the nearest police department to report it,” ISP said.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Tractor-Trailer Overturns and Spills Wood on Mass Pike Ramp Backing Traffic for Miles

By
Kristina
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WESTON, MASSACHUSETTS — An overturned tractor-trailer spilled a large load of wood onto a Massachusetts Turnpike off-ramp early Thursday morning, creating lengthy delays for commuters on the eastbound side of the highway.

The crash happened around 3 a.m. at the Route 128 interchange in Weston. The wreck forced officials to close the ramp while crews worked to clear the spilled wood from the roadway.

Tractor-Trailer Overturns and Spills Wood

Wood Spill Backs Up Traffic for Miles

Video from the scene showed crews clearing the load of wood as traffic sat at a standstill. Cars were backed up along the highway as far as Framingham during the morning commute.

As of 7:45 a.m., estimated delays on the Pike were more than 110 minutes.

Drivers were urged to avoid the area until further notice while cleanup continued.

Alternate Routes Suggested

Drivers looking to avoid the backup were advised to consider Route 9, Route 30, and possibly Route 16 as alternate routes.

No injury information was included in the initial report.

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CHP Places Semi Out of Service After Trailer Found Missing Set of Wheels in California; Driver Showed ‘Little Concern’ and Kept Loading It

By
Kristina
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SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA — A commercial vehicle was placed out of service after California Highway Patrol officers found a trailer missing a set of wheels while the driver reportedly continued trying to load it with product.

CHP’s Castaic Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility, based out of the Santa Clarita area, said it recently received a request for assistance from a partner agency involving what officials described as an unusual and potentially hazardous commercial vehicle issue.

Trailer Found Missing Wheels

According to CHP, the trailer was missing a set of wheels, with the agency saying the situation gave the term “Air Ride” a new meaning.

Officials said the driver showed “little concern” about the obvious safety issue and continued trying to load the trailer with product despite the danger.

When a CHP commercial officer arrived at the scene, several serious safety violations were identified. The truck was immediately placed out of service to prevent further risk to the public.

CHP Urges Public to Report Unsafe Trucks

CHP said commercial vehicle safety remains a top priority and warned that unsafe trucks and trailers can create serious risks for drivers, operators, and everyone sharing the roadway.

Officials urged the public to stay alert and contact emergency personnel if they notice a commercial vehicle that appears unsafe or out of compliance.

“Your awareness and quick action can help prevent accidents and keep our community safe,” CHP said.

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Brake Failure Sends 72,000-Pound Semi Off Road in New York; Inspection Reveals 8.5 of 10 Brakes Defective

By
Kristina
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YORKTOWN, NEW YORK — A semi-truck weighing approximately 72,000 pounds crashed into a wooded area after losing braking capability in Yorktown, and a post-crash inspection later revealed multiple serious brake and inspection violations, according to New York State Police.

The crash happened April 28, 2026, while the tractor-trailer was traveling through Yorktown. State police said the truck left the roadway after its braking system failed.

Troop K Commercial Vehicle Unit Responded

Following the crash, members of the New York State Police Troop K Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit responded to the scene to conduct a post-crash inspection.

Troopers said the inspection revealed that 8.5 out of the truck’s 10 brakes were defective.

State police also found that the trailer had not been inspected since 2023.

Brake Components Missing

NYSP shared video from the inspection showing trailer brake pads missing rollers and return springs. Troopers said those missing components rendered the brakes inoperable.

State police used the crash as a safety reminder for commercial carriers and drivers, stressing that routine inspections and proper brake maintenance are critical.

“Routine inspections and proper brake maintenance are critical—failures like this put everyone on the road at risk,” state police said.

No injury information was included in the details released.

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Semi Found Hauling Unsecured Hazmat Materials in Tennessee, Troopers Say Chemical Containers Were Rolling Inside Trailer

By
Kristina
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CUMBERLAND COUNTY, TENNESSEE — A tractor-trailer hauling hazardous materials was found with serious cargo securement violations during a commercial vehicle inspection in Cumberland County, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

THP said a trooper recently conducted a hazardous materials inspection on the semi-truck and discovered that the cargo was not properly secured inside the trailer.

Hazmat Packages Found Loose on Trailer Deck

According to THP, the unsecured cargo caused the load to shift during transport. Several hazardous materials packages were found loose and rolling around on the trailer deck.

A series of photos from the stopping trooper showed buckets of the chemical moving freely inside the trailer.

Troopers said the loose hazmat packages created a safety risk for the driver and for everyone sharing the roadway.

Chemical Identified as Boron Trichloride

The tractor-trailer was loaded with boron trichloride, based on the chemical code listed on the back of the trailer.

Boron trichloride is described as a colorless gas that can irritate the eyes. According to chemical safety information, containers exposed to excessive heat can rupture violently and rocket.

The codes displayed on hazardous materials trailers are standardized and help other motorists, first responders, and enforcement officials identify what is being transported on the roadway.

THP Issues Load Securement Reminder

Tennessee Highway Patrol used the inspection as a reminder that proper load securement is especially critical when hazardous materials are being transported.

“Proper load securement is critical, especially when transporting hazardous materials. Taking shortcuts can lead to dangerous consequences,” THP said.

Officials added that hazmat loads must be properly secured, compliant, and safe before a driver gets on the road.

“Safety is not optional. Compliance saves lives,” THP said.

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Semi-Truck Collides With Into KDOT Vehicle I-35 Near Edgerton in Kansas

By
Kristina
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EDGERTON, KANSAS — Southbound Interstate 35 was closed near Edgerton Wednesday afternoon after a semi-truck struck a Kansas Department of Transportation vehicle, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

State troopers said the crash was reported around 1:10 p.m. on April 29 near I-35 and Sunflower Road.

Traffic Diverted at Exit 205

First responders said at least one person was injured in the crash. The severity of the injury has not been released.

Troopers shut down southbound I-35 while crews responded to the scene and investigated the crash. Traffic was being diverted off the interstate at Exit 205.

Kansas Highway Patrol remained on scene as of the latest update.

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Nevada Driver Climbs Out After Logging Truck Rolls Over and Spills Logs Across Highway 395, Then Arrested for DUI; Deputies Say He Was Combative

By
Kristina
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DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEVADA — A Sparks man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and resisting arrest Tuesday after the logging truck he was driving rolled over and spilled logs across Highway 395 south of Holbrook Junction, closing the highway for most of the morning.

The rollover occurred at approximately 7:55 a.m. The driver was the sole occupant of the truck. He was able to climb out of the cab on his own before emergency crews arrived. East Fork Fire Protection District responded to find the semi on its side with logs scattered across the highway.

Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley identified the driver as Jonathan Dunn, 36, of Sparks. “Dunn was immediately combative and appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance,” Coverley said. “Deputies arrested Dunn after his refusal to cooperate with a DUI investigation and after a brief fight Dunn was taken into custody.”

East Fork medics transported Dunn to Carson Valley Health for treatment of injuries related to the crash and adverse effects of narcotics.

Crews worked throughout the morning to clear the logs from the highway using a front loader. A second logging truck was brought in to reload the logs. The work was completed around 2 p.m. and Highway 395 fully reopened at 2:10 p.m.

The Nevada Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

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Semi-Truck Veers Off I-15 and Plunges Into Ravine in Virgin River Gorge — Driver Self-Extricated Before Crews Arrived, Transported With Minor Injuries

By
Kristina
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truck veered off Interstate 15 northbound and into a ravine

VIRGIN RIVER GORGE, ARIZONA — A semi-truck driver escaped with minor injuries Monday morning after his truck veered off Interstate 15 northbound and into a ravine in the Virgin River Gorge area.

truck veered off Interstate 15 northbound and into a ravine

Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire Department responded to the incident at mile marker 17 on April 28, 2026. Upon arrival, crews found the driver awake and had already self-extricated from the truck. He was transported to St. George Regional Hospital via Beaver Dam Fire Ambulance with minor injuries.

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