A crash on Route 28 in Ossipee, New Hampshire, took the life of 80-year-old Dorothy Marshall on the morning of Friday, May 17. According to police, the driver of a 2005 Mack dump truck reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which rolled over, spilled its load, and struck Marshall’s 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The crash left Route 28 closed for more than seven hours. According to news outlets, the truck driver has been charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, but additional investigative questions remain.
When I see a case where someone is allegedly under the influence while operating a commercial vehicle, I don’t just think about the individual’s actions. I also think about whether this person should have been behind the wheel in the first place and who, if anyone, failed to ensure they were fit to drive.
Were There Missed Red Flags in the Hiring or Oversight Process?
One of the most important areas investigators should examine is the driver's fitness and background. If the driver had a history of alcohol-related offenses, prior collisions, or other behavioral concerns, the trucking company may bear responsibility for overlooking warning signs.
Companies are required to conduct background checks, verify medical fitness, and review driving records, but not every company follows through. I’ve seen cases where warning signs were ignored, or worse, completely undocumented. It’s also critical to evaluate whether the employer had an effective substance abuse testing program and monitoring procedures in place.
What Information Can Help Figure Out Why This Crash Happened?
To fully understand what happened and why, investigators should gather a wide range of evidence. This includes reviewing driver qualification files, drug and alcohol testing records, employment history, and any recent complaints or performance evaluations. Vehicle data from the truck’s ECM (Engine Control Module) may also show whether the driver tried to brake or slow down, which could further clarify their condition and response in the moments before the crash.
Why a Broader Investigation Matters
From my perspective handling truck accident cases, these investigations must go beyond the driver and ask if the system that allowed them to operate the vehicle failed too. Fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles often result from a chain of poor decisions, some made by the driver, and others made by the people responsible for putting them on the road. Understanding how and why this driver was cleared to operate heavy equipment is a critical step in getting answers for those affected by this crash.