A motorcyclist was killed Saturday evening in a crash with a dump truck on Hallowell Road in Durham, Maine. According to the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office, 32-year-old Coplin Fickett was traveling north on a 1986 Suzuki LS650 motorcycle when a 2025 Peterbilt 589 dump truck exited a gravel pit and attempted to turn south. While making that turn, the dump truck allegedly entered the northbound lane. Authorities say Fickett came around a curve and laid his motorcycle down in an attempt to avoid a collision, but he struck the truck and died at the scene.
When a commercial vehicle crosses into an active traffic lane during a turn, it raises important questions that investigators will need to explore carefully.
Was the Dump Truck Maneuver Performed Safely?
One key question is whether the dump truck’s turn was executed in a safe and legal manner. Drivers of heavy trucks exiting construction zones or private property are required to ensure the lane is clear and they have adequate time to complete the turn without placing others at risk. Investigators may review whether the driver followed proper protocol, such as checking for oncoming traffic and using a spotter if visibility was limited while exiting the gravel pit.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Investigators Consider?
To understand how this crash occurred, investigators will likely examine surveillance footage from nearby properties, GPS data from the dump truck, and any dash cam video if available. Physical evidence like skid marks, vehicle positions, and impact angles will be critical to reconstructing the moment the truck entered the northbound lane and how close the motorcycle was when it rounded the curve. Investigators may also want to examine the driver’s logs and cell phone records to determine if fatigue or distraction may have had a role.
The Importance of a Detailed Investigation
In any fatal crash involving a commercial vehicle, especially one allegedly turning into oncoming traffic, a thorough investigation is essential. Ultimately, it’s the best way to determine exactly what happened and why. That is important for both providing answers to those affected by the crash and assigning accountability where necessary.