A multi-vehicle crash on westbound Loop 1604 near Shaenfield Road left four people injured early Friday morning. According to San Antonio police, the crash happened around 3 a.m. when a pickup truck collided with a vehicle that had been abandoned in the roadway. As the pickup driver was exiting his truck, another vehicle crashed into the pickup, causing further injuries. Both the pickup driver and the driver of the second car suffered head wounds and were rushed to local hospitals. Two passengers were also transported as a precaution.
Whenever I hear about crashes involving abandoned vehicles on highways, I think about why the vehicle was left in the lanes of travel in the first place. Vehicles don’t typically end up in the middle of a highway unless there was a mechanical failure, a prior accident, or a driver leaving the scene for another reason.
Why Was the Abandoned Vehicle Left in the Road?
One of the biggest questions investigators should consider is why the vehicle was left in a high-speed travel lane instead of being moved to the shoulder. If the car had broken down, was the driver able to make an effort to move it? If they left the scene, why didn’t they attempt to warn other drivers or contact law enforcement for assistance? Investigators should determine if the car had working hazard lights or if it was completely dark, making it difficult for approaching drivers to see in time to avoid it.
Was Fatigue or Distraction a Factor in the Second Collision?
Another critical question is why the second driver crashed into the pickup after the initial collision had already occurred. Given that this happened at 3 a.m., fatigue could have played a role. Late-night crashes often involve drivers who are drowsy or not fully alert. Investigators should also examine whether distraction contributed to the crash. Reviewing phone records, vehicle data, and witness statements could help determine if the second driver failed to react due to inattention.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
To understand what led to this crash, investigators should analyze traffic camera footage to see how long the abandoned car had been sitting in the lanes of travel. Surveillance or dashcam footage from other vehicles in the area may provide insight into whether the car had its hazard lights on or if the driver had attempted to move it before leaving. Additionally, authorities should review the second driver’s phone records and Engine Control Module (ECM) data.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Important
There are a lot of questions about this crash that remain unanswered. Figuring out why the car was left in a lane of travel and why the second driver didn’t avoid the pickup will be key in this investigation. In my experience, these investigations often reveal important details that aren’t immediately obvious but are crucial to understanding the full picture of the crash.