Trucker in Ill. Crash Gets CDL Back
Secretary of State Jesse White suspended John R. Stokes' license in April, citing two speeding violations within six months. The violations were not related to the crash.
The two-month suspension took effect June 1, and Stokes' license automatically became valid again on Sunday, said White spokesman Dave Druker. He said Stokes did not have to retake his driving test or reapply for his license.
Because Stokes, 58, has not been charged with any crime in connection with the March 15 accident, the two-month disqualification was the only option open to White under current law.
Druker said White is working on getting state law changed to give the secretary of state authority to hold off on returning a driver's license until an investigation into serious accidents or
rashes could be completed.
Stokes was operating with a probationary permit because of previous traffic violations when Amtrak's southbound City of New Orleans train slammed into his truck at a crossing in Bourbonnais, about 50 miles south of Chicago.
In addition to those killed, more than 100 were injured.
Federal and local authorities are still investigating the accident, and no one has been charged with wrongdoing thus far.
Stokes' attorney, Leonard Sacks, said he did not know whether Stokes would return to truck driving.
"It would be my expectation that he'll engage in whatever meaningful employment he can find given his skills and background," Sacks said.
