Goffstown, NH — December 19, 2024, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 8 a.m. on Mast Road.
Authorities said a semi-truck hit a utility truck that had been working on a traffic light at the intersection of Mast and Pinard Street.
A man had been working about 10 feet off the ground in the upraised bucket of the utility truck, according to authorities. The crash knocked him to the ground.
The worker, who has not been identified at this point, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, authorities said.
The semi-truck driver was not injured, according to authorities.
The crash is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
This crash raises significant questions about work zone safety, the obligations of commercial vehicle drivers and the coordination between work crews and traffic management. The collision demonstrates how hazardous conditions can arise when multiple activities intersect on public roads.
Utility trucks working on traffic lights at intersections must adhere to specific safety protocols to protect workers and other road users. Investigators should determine whether proper warning signs, cones and barriers were in place to alert approaching traffic to the presence of workers. The absence or insufficiency of these measures often plays a role in such accidents.
Semi-truck drivers, like all road users, have a duty to operate with heightened awareness, especially when navigating areas with potential hazards. There are several questions that investigators must answer: Was the truck driver distracted at the time of the crash? Was the truck traveling at a speed that allowed for safe navigation through the area? Did the driver have an unobstructed view of the utility truck and its work zone?
Visibility could have been a factor in the crash as well. Glare from the sun or insufficient lighting might have contributed to the driver’s inability to see the utility truck or recognize the elevated bucket in time to avoid the collision.
Utility trucks are equipped with features like stabilizing outriggers and reflective markings, and work zones typically require the bucket to be positioned away from active traffic lanes wherever possible. Investigators should evaluate whether the utility truck was appropriately stationed and whether its safety equipment was properly deployed.
This incident illustrates the complex interplay between commercial traffic and road maintenance activities. Semi-trucks, due to their size and weight, require greater stopping distances and maneuvering space, which makes clear communication and effective traffic management around work zones essential. If either the work zone or the truck driver failed to account for these needs, that could have contributed to the crash.
Finally, thorough investigations into crashes like this are vital not just for assigning accountability but also for improving practices that protect roadside workers and drivers alike. By identifying any lapses in safety protocols or driver behavior, authorities can recommend changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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