What changed—and why it matters
Prosecutors in San Bernardino County have dropped felony DUI allegations against 21-year-old truck driver Jashanpreet Singh after toxicology tests showed no drugs or alcohol were present when his blood was drawn. The District Attorney announced the update on October 31, 2025, and filed an amended complaint reflecting the new findings. The crash occurred on October 21, 2025, on westbound I-10 near the Milliken Avenue offramp in Ontario, killing three adults and injuring several others.
Charges that remain
While impairment is off the table, Singh still faces three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one count of reckless driving causing specified injury. Prosecutors emphasized that, even without intoxication, the case proceeds as a gross-negligence homicide based on the available evidence. Singh previously entered a not-guilty plea during his initial court appearance on October 24.
What investigators say happened on the road
According to the DA’s office, eyewitness and dashcam footage indicate the tractor-trailer was traveling at a high rate of speed and drove into stopped or slowing traffic, triggering a chain-reaction collision involving multiple vehicles. Local reports from the day of the crash described an eight-vehicle scene, significant wreckage, and a diesel spill that required a hazmat response and lengthy lane closures. Investigators have not publicly concluded whether fatigue, distraction, or another factor explains the failure to stop.
Operational takeaways for fleets and owner-operators
For safety managers and independent drivers alike, this case underscores two realities: initial impairment claims can change once lab results arrive, and gross-negligence theories can still carry severe criminal and civil exposure. Use this moment to tighten basics:
- Reinforce hazard awareness in congested corridors: Scan far ahead for queues, keep generous following distance, and manage speed so you can stop within the visible, clear road.
- Verify braking capability before every trip and at fuel/inspection stops; document any heat fade or performance anomalies immediately.
- Protect evidence: Retain forward- and driver-facing video, ELD logs, ECM data, and dispatch communications after any incident. Fast, disciplined preservation can clarify events and reduce speculation.
- Coach on space management and stopping in traffic backups, including early lane selection and staggered positioning behind other heavy vehicles.
- Refresh fatigue management: While prosecutors haven’t alleged drowsy driving here, real-world risk rises with extended duty, night operations, and schedule compression. Build cushions in planning and encourage drivers to call time-out.
- Audit ADAS and maintenance intervals: Calibrate and document performance of AEB, collision warning, and dashcam systems; ensure brake and tire inspections are current and traceable.
Insurance and legal posture
DUI allegations often escalate liability, punitive-damages exposure, and reputational harm. The removal of impairment charges can materially shift a defense strategy and coverage conversations—but gross negligence and multiple fatalities still present high-severity risk. Expect ongoing civil claims, scrutiny of speed and following distance, and discovery requests for training, maintenance, and telematics. Coordinate early with counsel, insurers, and your safety vendor to align messaging and evidence handling.
What’s next
The amended complaint filed October 31 resets the case around alleged gross negligence. Prosecutors have not stated whether distraction, fatigue, mechanical issues, or other factors were at play. Media coverage has focused on dashcam video and the immediate aftermath; however, the legal process now hinges on reconstructing closing speed, available stopping distance, and driver decision-making in the seconds before impact. For carriers running Southern California lanes, this is a sobering reminder that high-volume corridors demand conservative speed selection and continuous scanning, regardless of posted limits or schedule pressure.
Context you may have seen online
A viral video circulated widely within trucking circles summarizing that the driver was “cleared of impairment.” That headline is accurate as to the toxicology result, but it does not end the criminal case. Separate charges alleging gross negligence remain, and investigators’ broader findings have not been fully disclosed. Independent outlets that covered the update likewise noted that DUI counts were dropped while manslaughter and reckless driving counts continue.
Bottom line for fleets and O/Os: Don’t let the shift in charges lull you into complacency. Impairment was ruled out; speed, space, and stopping remain under the microscope. Double down on coaching and documentation before you’re in the spotlight.
Sources Consulted: San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office; CBS Los Angeles; FOX 11 Los Angeles; India-West; Times of India.
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