Authorities in Effingham County are investigating a crash involving two dump trucks that occurred Thursday morning at the intersection of Highway 17 and Highway 80. Preliminary information suggests that one dump truck struck a vehicle, pushing it into a second dump truck ahead. One person died as a result of the collision. The investigation is ongoing, and few details have been released about the events that led to the crash.
I’ve handled a number of commercial vehicle cases over the years, and one thing I’ve learned is that even low-speed collisions involving heavy trucks can have serious consequences. In many cases, important questions about speed, following distance, and driver attentiveness are only answered through a thorough investigation.
Was the Dump Truck Following at a Safe Distance?
When large commercial vehicles like dump trucks travel too closely behind smaller vehicles, the results can be disastrous. If one truck failed to maintain a safe following distance, it could explain why the initial impact occurred. Investigators will likely examine traffic patterns, road conditions, and any available video footage to determine whether proper stopping distance was observed.
Were Driver Actions a Contributing Factor?
Given that dump trucks can take significantly longer to stop than passenger vehicles, any lapse in attention or judgment—such as distraction or fatigue—could have serious consequences. Investigators may review the driver's hours-of-service logs, phone records, or statements to determine whether distraction or inattention played a role.
Was the Vehicle Equipment Functioning Properly?
In cases like this, it’s also important to look into whether the dump truck had functioning brakes, lights, and other critical systems. Brake failures and maintenance lapses can cause catastrophic results, especially if the driver doesn’t have time to react. Maintenance logs and inspection records will be important pieces of evidence.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To get the full picture, investigators should gather dash cam footage, Engine Control Module (ECM) data, driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and statements from any witnesses. Physical evidence at the scene—like skid marks or debris—can also help determine the speed and actions of each vehicle in the moments leading up to the crash.
Why Ask These Questions?
When someone loses their life in a commercial vehicle crash, it’s critical to determine exactly what happened and why. From my experience, key facts are often uncovered only after a detailed investigation into the vehicles and drivers involved. These details are a crucial step in providing answers to those affected by the crash.