A fatal crash in Cass County, North Dakota, claimed the life of a 34-year-old man from Fort Myers, Florida, on the evening of June 11. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the man was driving a cement truck westbound on County Road 26 at around 8:30 p.m. when it allegedly failed to stop at the intersection with Highway 18. His truck was struck by a northbound semi hauling potatoes. The cement truck driver died at the scene, while the 78-year-old semi driver from Minto, ND, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
Whenever I hear about a commercial vehicle that doesn’t stop at an intersection, I want to know whether a mechanical failure may have played a role.
Could a Mechanical Failure or Defect Be Involved?
While early reports suggest the cement truck failed to stop, it's worth asking why. Cement trucks are heavy and can be difficult to control if any part of the braking system fails. Investigators will likely examine whether the truck's air brakes, hydraulic systems, or brake warning indicators were functioning correctly. It’s also important to check whether the truck was regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with federal safety regulations. If a product defect or maintenance failure led to a loss of control, that could shift liability.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To fully understand what happened, investigators will likely look at the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) to determine whether the brakes were applied and at what speed the truck was traveling. They may also inspect the stop sign for visibility or obstruction and collect any available dash cam or surveillance footage. Skid marks, debris patterns, and damage to both vehicles can help piece together the sequence of events and whether the truck attempted to stop.
Why a Full Investigation Is Critical
At first glance, it may seem like the crash was caused by a driver running a stop sign, but that conclusion would be premature without a full mechanical inspection and review of all relevant evidence. When heavy commercial vehicles are involved, failures in manufacturing or maintenance can play a critical role. A thorough investigation helps ensure that responsibility is accurately assigned and that any underlying safety issues, like faulty brakes or equipment defects, are brought to light.