A crash on I-90 eastbound in Brutus left one tractor trailer driver dead and two others injured. According to New York State Police, the collision occurred on August 7, 2025, around 4:57 p.m., when a tractor trailer driven by 50-year-old Mark Shidler of Applecreek, Ohio, allegedly veered from the westbound passing lane, crossed the median and guiderail, and struck a 2022 Honda traveling eastbound. The Honda, driven by a 24-year-old man with a 22-year-old passenger, rolled several times before coming to rest. One occupant of the Honda was airlifted to Upstate Hospital in critical but stable condition, while the other was transported by ambulance and later released. Shidler was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Given the fact that the semi-truck reportedly crossed into opposing traffic, investigators will need to determine what caused such a sudden and dangerous maneuver. These incidents often raise questions about driver condition, vehicle integrity, or a combination of both.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Played a Role?
Crossing the median on a controlled-access highway typically indicates a significant lapse in control. Investigators may need to review the driver’s hours-of-service records to determine if fatigue was a factor, as well as examine whether in-cab distractions such as mobile devices or GPS adjustments contributed. Any witness statements or dash camera footage could help identify whether the vehicle drifted gradually or swerved suddenly, which may point toward fatigue or an abrupt response to another hazard.
Were Mechanical Issues Involved?
A sudden loss of steering control, brake function, or tire integrity could cause a large commercial vehicle to veer into oncoming lanes. Inspecting the semi-truck’s steering system, brakes, and tires will be critical, along with retrieving data from the Engine Control Module (ECM) to analyze speed, throttle position, and brake application leading up to the crash. If a component failure is confirmed, determining whether it resulted from inadequate maintenance or a manufacturing defect will be essential for establishing accountability.
Evidence That Should Be Reviewed
To find out why the tractor trailer crossed the median, investigators should check the truck’s Engine Control Module for speed, brake use, throttle position, and stability-control alerts. Electronic logging data can confirm hours of service. Dashcam or roadside video may also show lane position and the exact moment of departure. Physical evidence like tire marks, gouges, and debris patterns can help confirm the sequence of events. Additionally, the truck’s steering, tires, wheels, and brakes should be inspected for failures or blowouts.
Why a Complete Investigation Is Critical
When an accident involves a fatality and serious injuries, the cause must be fully understood. A detailed review of driver condition, vehicle performance, and other factors will help ensure that the facts are clear, potential safety issues are identified, and accountability is properly assigned.