A 34-year-old woman from Flint lost her life in a collision involving two semi-trucks on Interstate 96 near Cedar Street in Lansing. According to Michigan State Police, the crash occurred when a 2019 Freightliner allegedly semi-truck rear-ended the woman’s Toyota Avalon, sending it over the median and into oncoming traffic, where it collided with a 2006 Kenworth semi-truck traveling westbound. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while both semi-truck drivers had no injuries.
Whenever I hear about a crash where a semi-truck rear-ends another vehicle, I immediately think about whether the truck driver failed to adjust their speed for traffic conditions or a mechanical issue prevented them from slowing down. Large commercial trucks require significant stopping distances, and in congested areas or at high speeds, even a moment of distraction or a mechanical issue can have deadly consequences.
Was the Semi Following Too Closely?
One of the key questions in this crash is whether the Freightliner driver was distracted, fatigued, or following too closely when he struck the Toyota from behind. Rear-end collisions involving semi-trucks are often preventable, as drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance to account for the extra time it takes to stop a loaded truck. Investigators should review the driver's logbooks, cell phone records, and dashcam footage to determine if distraction, fatigue, or speed played a role in the crash.
Could Mechanical Issues Have Been a Factor?
Another possibility is whether mechanical failure contributed to the crash. If the Freightliner’s braking system, tires, or other critical components were not properly maintained, the driver may have been unable to stop in time to prevent the collision. Investigators should examine the truck’s maintenance records, recent inspections, and the condition of its brakes and tires to rule out equipment failure as a contributing factor.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
To fully understand what happened, investigators should analyze the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), which stores data about speed, braking activity, and steering inputs before impact. Additionally, traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and electronic logging device (ELD) data could provide valuable insight into the truck driver's actions leading up to the crash.
Why These Questions Matter
Understanding how this crash happened is critical. If the truck driver failed to adjust speed, was distracted, or the truck had mechanical issues, it could mean this incident was preventable. In my experience, thorough investigations often uncover details that aren’t immediately obvious, but they are essential for providing accountability.