Former drivers for Roby Trucking call company's trucks unsafe

PITTSBURG, Calif. (KGO) -- When an out-of-control truck smashed through a Pittsburg restaurant killing the driver last March, the Roby Trucking Company had already failed two previous inspections. Now it has failed a third.

"The fact that more than 50 percent of their fleet was pulled out of service on that one inspection shows us they are not maintaining their vehicles in a safe manner which puts all of us at risk on the roadways," said California Highway Patrol Officer Daniel Hill.

A man who calls himself Harvey asked not to be identified fearing retribution. He says he quit the company because the trucks were in such bad condition. Roby Trucking is based in Vallejo and he says it skimped on tires, brakes and oil lines. CHP inspections at the scales were to be avoided.

"You would tell them the problems with the trucks. It would be like talking to a brick wall," Harvey said. "We were constantly told, 'Go around the scales,' by the owners."

Another former employee who calls herself Tina also fears retribution. She says there were red flags even before the deadly accident.

"There were problems and some of the companies, [that hired the trucks for a job] sent the trucks back," Tina said. "'This is unacceptable. Take your truck back. We're signing them out.'"

Attempts to speak with the owner of Robby Trucking, Parmod Gir, were declined. Meanwhile, his company is still in business.

"I've seen those trucks on the road today. Today!" Tina said.

The CHP says it could take a month and a half to review and possibly revoke the motor carrier permit for Roby Trucking.