Two people were hospitalized following a three-vehicle collision involving a commercial vehicle on Highway 378 near Juniper Bay Road. Horry County Fire Rescue reported that the crash occurred around 7:42 a.m. and resulted in entrapment, requiring emergency crews to respond and block all lanes of the highway. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating what led to the incident.
In crashes involving commercial vehicles, it’s not always clear what triggered the collision just by looking at the scene. From my experience, a thorough review often uncovers contributing factors—like driver fatigue or distraction—that don’t show up in the initial reports but are crucial to understanding why the crash happened in the first place.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Be Potential Factors?
Operating a commercial vehicle in early morning hours, like the time of this crash, raises the question of whether the driver was fully alert. Investigators may look at hours-of-service records to determine if the commercial vehicle operator had been on the road for an extended period or failed to take proper rest breaks. Distraction from a mobile device or in-cab technology may also have interfered with the driver’s focus.
Could Mechanical Issues Have Been a Factor?
When a commercial vehicle is involved in a serious crash, it’s also important to determine whether mechanical issues—such as brake failure, worn tires, or steering malfunctions—played a role. Investigators should examine maintenance records and inspect the vehicle’s mechanical components to see if any faults contributed to the crash. Even a single overlooked defect can have serious consequences on the road.
Evidence That Investigators Should Examine
To get a clear picture of what happened, investigators should review Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the commercial vehicle, which can provide insights into speed, braking, and throttle usage before the crash. They should also gather dashcam footage, witness statements, and any surveillance video from nearby businesses. The condition of the commercial vehicle—including brakes, tires, and lighting—should also be inspected for potential mechanical issues that could have contributed.
Why Thorough Investigations in Accidents Like This Are Crucial
Serious crashes involving commercial vehicles demand a complete and careful investigation. In many cases, key pieces of information are only discovered after analyzing technical data and driver history. A thorough investigation is the best way to help those affected by a crash get answers on why and how it happened.