A 39-year-old driver was killed early Tuesday morning in Suffolk, Virginia after a tractor-trailer reportedly drifted onto the shoulder and struck both the man and his vehicle. According to Virginia State Police (VSP), the crash occurred around 1:15 a.m. on I-664 South near College Drive. Investigators say Corey L. B. Knight of Chesapeake had pulled onto the right shoulder, activated his hazard lights, and exited his Volkswagen GTI before the semi-truck veered onto the shoulder, leading to the fatal collision.
Whenever I hear about a semi-truck drifting onto the shoulder, I think about whether driver fatigue, distraction, or mechanical issues contributed to the crash. Truck drivers are expected to maintain full control of their vehicles, especially on highways where stopped motorists rely on the safety of the shoulder.
Was the Truck Driver Fatigued or Distracted?
Given that this crash happened at 1:15 a.m., one of the most critical questions investigators should ask is whether the semi-truck driver was fatigued or distracted. Late-night and early-morning hours are high-risk times for commercial truck drivers due to long hours on the road and potential drowsiness. Investigators should examine the driver’s hours-of-service (HOS) logs, which track how long they had been driving before the crash.
Additionally, reviewing cell phone records, dashcam footage, and GPS data can help determine whether the driver was distracted at the time of the crash. If the truck gradually drifted onto the shoulder, it could indicate a lack of attention or drowsiness behind the wheel.
Did Mechanical Issues Play a Role?
Another important factor to consider is whether the semi-truck experienced a mechanical failure that caused the driver to lose control. Investigators should review the truck’s braking system, steering components, and tire condition to rule out equipment failure as a contributing factor. A sudden tire blowout or brake failure could explain why the truck veered onto the shoulder.
Evidence That Should Be Considered
To get a full picture of what happened, authorities should examine the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), which logs speed, braking activity, and steering input before the crash. Investigators should also collect witness statements, traffic camera footage, and the truck’s maintenance records to determine whether the truck driver was operating safely and whether the vehicle was in proper working condition.
Why This Type of Investigation Is Important
For those affected by this accident, understanding why the truck veered onto the shoulder is crucial. In my experience, these investigations often uncover details that weren’t immediately apparent, but they are critical in ensuring accountability and a full understanding of what happened.