A collision between a semi-truck and a passenger car on Interstate 64 in Kanawha County left one person dead Monday night and shut down the eastbound lanes for several hours. Authorities say the crash, which occurred just before 8:45 p.m., spanned over half a mile. According to deputies, the semi-truck allegedly merged into the passenger car, pinning it against the highway wall while both vehicles continued traveling east. The car caught fire, and the semi then crossed the road, struck a guardrail, and overturned. The semi-truck driver died from their injuries, while the driver of the car was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this involving a semi merging into another vehicle, I think about whether the truck driver was fatigued, distracted, or if a mechanical issue played a role. Merging a commercial truck requires careful judgment, and a moment of inattention or a mechanical fault can have catastrophic results.
Was the Semi-Truck Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
Merging into another vehicle on a highway raises immediate concerns about whether the truck driver was paying full attention. Investigators should examine phone records, dashcam footage, and in-cab monitoring systems to determine if distraction—such as cell phone use or adjusting controls—contributed to the crash. Fatigue is another critical factor, as drowsy driving can impair a driver's ability to judge distance and react appropriately. Reviewing hours-of-service records and rest logs could help determine if exhaustion played a role.
Did the Truck Experience a Mechanical Failure?
Investigators should also consider whether a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. A malfunctioning steering or braking system could have prevented the driver from maintaining proper control of the truck. The semi’s Engine Control Module (ECM) could provide data on speed, braking, and steering inputs before the collision, helping authorities determine whether mechanical failure was a factor.
Why These Questions Matter
When a crash involves a semi-truck, the consequences can be severe. A thorough investigation into this incident could help bring clarity and accountability, particularly in understanding whether driver error, distraction, or mechanical failure contributed to the collision. In my experience, crashes like these often reveal factors that aren’t immediately obvious but are crucial for understanding what truly happened.