Read complaints of July 4 safety violations

A trucking accident that nearly killed comedian Tracy Morgan has put a spotlight on truck drivers who are hauling fireworks around the country for Independence Day celebrations.

Trucker safety advocates say the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) “ignored” serious safety violations from dozens of companies when it granted them exemptions from the hours of service rule. The exemptions are given so companies can speed up fireworks deliveries in the days surrounding the Fourth of July.

The hours of service rule, which is intended to prevent fatigued drivers from getting behind the wheel, limits truckers to 14-hour shifts.

Read the July 4 fireworks exemption complaints

Read more from The Hill:

July 4 danger? Safety rules eased as truckers rush to deliver fireworks