Authorities in Lancaster County are investigating a serious three-vehicle crash that occurred Friday evening east of Lincoln and resulted in injuries to multiple individuals, including two children.
The incident happened at approximately 5:40 p.m. at the intersection of 148th Street and Old Cheney Road. According to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, a Honda Pilot was stopped in the northbound lane of 148th Street, waiting to turn left onto Old Cheney Road, when it was allegedly rear-ended by a FedEx delivery truck. The impact pushed the Honda Pilot into the path of an oncoming Jeep Cherokee, resulting in a secondary collision.
Two children in the Honda Pilot were transported to the hospital, with at least one reportedly suffering serious injuries. Two adults were also in the Honda, but their conditions have not been released. The driver of the Jeep sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization. The FedEx truck driver was reportedly uninjured.
Whenever I hear about a commercial vehicle rear-ending a stopped car at an intersection, I think about how essential it is to understand whether the driver of that commercial vehicle was paying attention. In my experience, crashes like this often highlight breakdowns in situational awareness or lapses in basic safe driving practices that commercial operators are trained to follow.
Was the FedEx Driver Distracted or Following Too Closely?
Rear-end collisions are frequently the result of a delayed reaction. For a professional driver behind the wheel of a commercial truck, failing to notice a stopped vehicle at an intersection raises an important question: was the driver distracted?
Even a two-second lapse in attention can make it impossible to stop in time, especially when operating a heavier vehicle with longer stopping distances. Investigators should review the FedEx truck’s electronic logging device (ELD), any onboard video, and the driver’s recent work history to determine if fatigue or distraction played a role.
Could Vehicle Condition or Load Have Affected Braking Performance?
Another consideration is whether the truck was capable of stopping effectively given its mechanical condition and any cargo it was carrying. Investigators should examine the braking system, check for signs of wear or improper maintenance, and evaluate how the truck was loaded. Delivery trucks often operate under demanding schedules, and any overlooked maintenance issue, even partially worn brakes, can significantly extend stopping distances.
What Evidence Should Be Collected to Understand the Full Picture?
To understand exactly how this crash unfolded, investigators should carefully examine the FedEx truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) data to determine vehicle speed, throttle position, and whether the brakes were applied before the collision.
Physical evidence from the scene, such as the location of skid marks, the extent and angle of vehicle damage, and the final resting positions of the vehicles, can help reconstruct the sequence of events. In addition, any available witness accounts or surveillance footage from nearby intersections could shed light on whether the truck driver attempted to slow down or showed signs of distraction in the moments leading up to the crash.
Why It’s Important to Get Clear Answers in Commercial Vehicle Crashes
When professional drivers are involved in collisions that result in serious injuries, a surface-level explanation is never enough. A thorough investigation can help determine whether this was a one-time mistake, a preventable distraction, or the result of a systemic issue like poor oversight or inadequate training.
In my view, every factor, from human behavior to equipment performance, deserves close scrutiny when a crash causes serious harm. Only through that level of investigation can we confidently answer all questions regarding a crash.