A collision on Tuesday along westbound Interstate 10 near milepost 365 in Bowie, Arizona, left an ADOT-contracted construction worker and a semi-truck driver injured. According to reports, the semi-truck struck the vehicle of the road crew worker, resulting in a crash that caused the truck to catch fire. The ADOT contractor reportedly suffered minor head injuries, while the truck driver was transported to a hospital in Tucson for further treatment. Investigators have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Whenever I hear about a semi-truck colliding with a work vehicle, I think about how important it is to understand what circumstances led up to the moment of impact. From my experience, crashes like this often raise questions about whether the driver was operating safely and whether the truck itself was in proper working condition to handle emergency maneuvers.
Could Mechanical Issues Have Contributed to the Crash?
One of the first things investigators should examine is whether the semi-truck experienced any mechanical failure before striking the vehicle. Brake failure, steering issues, or tire problems can all prevent a driver from avoiding hazards or stopping in time. A full inspection of the truck’s braking system, tire condition, and maintenance history will help clarify whether the equipment functioned as it should have.
Was Fatigue or Distraction a Factor?
Commercial drivers are required to follow strict federal hours-of-service regulations, but that doesn’t always prevent fatigue from setting in, especially on long hauls through isolated stretches of highway. Even a momentary lapse in attention can have severe consequences when workers are present. That’s why it’s critical to examine the driver's rest logs, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, and any in-cab footage to determine whether distraction or fatigue played a role.
What Information Can Help Investigators Understand the Crash?
To understand the sequence of events in this incident, investigators should recover data from the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), which records speed, braking input, and throttle position leading up to the collision. Any dash camera footage, either from the semi or nearby vehicles, can also be crucial in understanding how the crash unfolded.
Why Investigations Like This Matter
In my work handling commercial vehicle accident cases, I’ve found that the key to getting answers lies in a thorough and timely investigation. Whether the cause was mechanical failure, driver fatigue, or something else entirely, it’s essential that every possible contributing factor is examined.