CONCORD, N.H. – A truck driver involved in a 2019 crash that killed seven motorcyclists will not be allowed to drive in New Hampshire for at least two more years.
In an order issued Wednesday, Volodymyr Zhukovskyy’s driving privileges were suspended for seven years, the maximum suspension period under applicable state law. That penalty was backdated to take effect June 24, 2019, which means the suspension will last for another two years.
Zhukovskyy, a commercial trucker from Ukraine, tried to get his driving privileges restored in New Hampshire, initiating an administrative process after he emailed the N.H. Department of Safety last September. In May, he spoke publicly for the first time about his role in the crash that involved motorcyclists from the Jarheads Motorcycle Club, a charitable group of Marine veterans.
“The truth is that I didn’t cause this whole accident,” Zhukovskyy said in May. “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
He was acquitted of criminal manslaughter charges in the case by a jury in 2022, after prosecutors alleged he was under the influence of drugs and caused the accident.
After the suspension period ends, Zhukovskyy can have his license reinstated by requesting a hearing. The next of kin to the victims killed in the accident will be notified and given an opportunity to speak at the hearing.
He is also required to complete a six-hour “driver attitude course,” pay a reinstatement fee of $100 to the Director of Motor Vehicles, and submit an evaluation from a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, according to Wednesday’s ruling from Ryan N. McFarland, of the Bureau of Hearings at the New Hampshire Department of Safety.
Zhukovskyy has 30 days to appeal the decision.
Amanda Gokee can be reached at amanda.gokee@globe.com. Follow her @amanda_gokee.
