A Dial-A-Ride bus and a truck collided Thursday afternoon at the intersection of M-139 and Pipestone Road in Benton Township, Michigan, leaving at least seven people injured. Emergency crews used the Jaws of Life to free a passenger trapped in the truck, and multiple bus passengers sustained injuries, including one with a serious head injury. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Whenever I hear about crashes involving commercial vehicles like buses, I immediately wonder about driver attentiveness, right-of-way issues, and potential mechanical failures. These types of crashes often involve complex liability questions, especially when multiple people are injured.
Was the Bus Driver Distracted?
A key factor investigators should consider is whether the bus driver was distracted at the time of the crash. Reviewing dashcam footage, cell phone records, and witness statements can help determine whether inattentiveness played a role in the collision. When commercial vehicles are involved, even a moment of distraction can have serious consequences.
What Mechanical Issues Should Be Investigated?
Given the nature of the crash, investigators should look into potential brake failures, tire issues, or steering malfunctions on the bus. Reviewing maintenance records can help determine if mechanical failure contributed to the impact. Investigators may also want to examine engine control module (ECM) data to determine the inputs of the driver before the crash.
Why It’s Important to Investigate These Details
Crashes involving commercial vehicles often require a deeper investigation to determine liability and ensure those affected get answers. Understanding whether distraction, failure to yield, or mechanical issues contributed is essential in piecing together the full picture. In my experience, these investigations often uncover details that weren’t immediately apparent but are crucial for those impacted by the crash.