Court Opinion

ID: 9766494
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 04:51:19.09658+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:30:23.351802
License: Public Domain

RAY, Justice,
dissenting.
I respectfully dissent. I agree with the majority that Steves Industries was negligent in allowing Robinson to drive without a license. However, I also believe that there is evidence to support the jury finding that equipping Robinson who had no commercial license with a loaded truck was a “heedless and wreckless disregard for the rights of others.”
A loaded twenty ton truck is an inherently dangerous machine. In the hands of an unqualified driver, it becomes a death weapon. In order to protect its citizens and to provide safe highways, the Texas legislature has recognized this greater danger and has required that drivers of this heavier, more dangerous vehicle obtain a special commercial driver’s license. Tex. Rev.Civ.Stat.Ann. arts. 6687b, §§ 2, 3 (Vernon 1984). To obtain the privilege of driving one of these trucks, a driving test as well a written test must be passed. Id. at § 10.
Robinson had no commercial license. Steves Industries knew that Robinson was required to have this special license and knew that Robinson did not have one. Still it allowed Robinson to drive the truck. The issue here is not causation, but Steves Industries’ state of mind — its conscious indifference to the rights, welfare, and safety of the persons it affects. See, Burk Royalty Co. v. Walls, 616 S.W.2d 911, 922 (1981). Steves Industries continued to equip Robinson with this truck even after the death of the two Williams children.
Taking into consideration the seriousness of the vehicle involved in this negligent entrustment, Steves Industries’ acts support the jury finding of gross negligence. I would reverse the court of appeals and the trial court on this point.