Just after 8:45 a.m. on Industrial Drive in Marshall, Missouri, a motorcyclist was injured in a crash involving a semi-truck. According to a statement from the Marshall Police Department, the rider was traveling southbound when a blue tractor-trailer allegedly pulled out in front of him. The motorcyclist attempted to stop but had to lay the bike down to avoid a direct collision. He suffered moderate injuries to his head and hand and was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital by Saline County Ambulance.
When I see reports of a semi-truck entering the path of oncoming traffic, I think it’s important to consider whether distraction or fatigue may have played a role in the driver’s decision-making.
Was the Truck Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
Pulling into traffic without yielding the right of way is a serious error, especially when operating a large commercial vehicle that requires longer acceleration times. If the driver failed to notice the approaching motorcycle, investigators should look closely at whether they were distracted by a phone, dispatch device, or even food or drink. Additionally, fatigue may have impaired the driver’s reaction time or judgment. It’s critical to determine how long the driver had been on duty and whether hours-of-service rules were followed.
Key Evidence That Should Be Reviewed
To clarify how the crash occurred, investigators will likely examine the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) to understand its speed and movements leading up to the incident. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or dash cams could offer visual confirmation of whether the truck stopped or hesitated. Investigators may also review phone records and logbooks to assess whether the driver was distracted or had been on the road too long without rest.
Why Getting the Full Picture Requires Investigation
Crashes involving motorcycles and semi-trucks are especially dangerous, and even minor errors can lead to serious injury. That’s why a complete investigation to uncover any underlying causes like distraction, fatigue, or mechanical failure is critical. Understanding every contributing factor helps assign accountability where appropriate and figure out exactly what happened and why.