Officials say a woman was fatally struck by an 18-wheeler early Friday morning in Crown Heights. The collision happened just after 5:20 a.m. on Eastern Parkway. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed the truck did not remain at the site, and investigators are reviewing area surveillance cameras to help identify the vehicle.
When a large truck is involved in a hit-and-run, the questions multiply. Investigators will want to determine not only how the crash happened, but also why the driver left the scene and whether the collision could have been avoided.
Could Driver Fatigue or Distraction Have Played a Role?
The crash occurred in the early morning hours, a time when fatigue often comes into play for commercial drivers. If the driver had been on the road for long hours, their reaction time and alertness may have been compromised. Investigators will also consider whether distraction from a phone, in-cab system, or some other factor caused the driver to miss the pedestrian in the roadway. Hours-of-service records, phone logs, and in-cab camera footage could be key in determining this.
What Evidence Will Investigators Rely On?
Surveillance footage from cameras along Eastern Parkway could provide crucial insight into how the collision unfolded. Skid marks, debris patterns, and the truck’s trajectory after the impact may show whether the driver attempted to brake or swerve. Police will also look for Engine Control Module (ECM) data if the truck is identified, which can confirm speed and braking activity just before the crash.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Essential
With a fatality and a truck that left the scene, there are significant unanswered questions. Was the driver aware of the collision? Did fatigue, distraction, or even mechanical issues play a part? A careful investigation will be the only way to determine accountability and establish what happened in those early morning moments.