A crash late Friday night left a pregnant woman and her children injured after their car was reportedly run off the road by a semi-truck on Highway 138 near Old Ridge Route Road, north of Castaic, California.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the semi was allegedly attempting an illegal pass when it allegedly forced a blue Honda off the highway, causing a solo crash around 9:30 p.m. The semi-truck reportedly fled the scene, but was later located and the driver arrested for felony hit-and-run. The mother and her children were transported to Antelope Valley Hospital with injuries described as minor.
When I read about a semi-truck leaving the scene of a crash, it raises serious concerns about both the judgment of the driver and the systems in place to keep unsafe operators off the road. These incidents aren’t just about a moment of poor driving.
Was This Trucker Fit to Be Behind the Wheel?
One question that always comes to mind in these hit-and-run situations is whether the driver had a history of violations, complaints, or unsafe behavior that should have raised red flags during hiring or routine checks. Commercial drivers are held to higher standards for a reason, and that includes safe driving and—at a bare minimum—staying at the scene when a crash occurs.
Investigators should look closely at the driver’s employment records, training certifications, and any prior citations. If this crash was preceded by other risky behavior, it’s fair to ask whether the trucking company had sufficient oversight and enforcement mechanisms in place.
What Evidence Could Help Confirm the Sequence of Events?
To fully understand what occurred here, it’s important for investigators to gather as much relevant evidence as possible. This includes dash cam footage from nearby vehicles or traffic cameras along Highway 138, as well as statements from witnesses who may have seen the illegal pass or the aftermath. Additionally, Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the truck may provide insight into any abrupt changes in acceleration or steering leading up to the crash.
Why Thorough Investigations Matter in Commercial Hit-and-Runs
In my experience handling truck accident cases, I’ve found that hit-and-runs involving commercial vehicles raise several questions about the driver’s decision and the hiring practices of the trucking company. While we don’t yet know the full circumstances behind this crash, a thorough investigation will help uncover whether this driver acted recklessly, and if his employer took appropriate steps to ensure he belonged on the road in the first place.