A three-truck collision on Sussex Highway left multiple people injured and resulted in a logging truck overturning and spilling its cargo onto the roadway. According to Delaware State Police, the crash occurred when a Freightliner tractor-trailer failed to slow down in time and crashed into a Peterbilt truck that was turning into a parking lot. The impact pushed the Freightliner into a Mack truck traveling in the left lane, causing it to overturn. Two drivers and a passenger were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the Mack truck was uninjured.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this involving multiple commercial trucks, I think about whether the driver who failed to slow down was fatigued, distracted, or dealing with mechanical issues. Large trucks require extra time and distance to stop safely, and when they fail to do so, it can lead to a serious accident.
Was the Truck Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
One key question is whether the Freightliner driver was paying full attention to the road ahead. Distraction from mobile devices, onboard systems, or other external factors can cause a truck driver to react too late to a slowing or turning vehicle. Additionally, driver fatigue is a persistent issue in the trucking industry, with long hours and tight schedules leading to lapses in concentration. Investigators should review logbooks, dashcam footage, and cell phone records to determine whether distraction or fatigue played a role in the crash.
Could a Mechanical Failure Have Contributed?
Investigators should also examine whether the Freightliner’s brakes, tires, or other critical systems were functioning properly. A braking system failure or worn tires could have made it harder for the truck to slow down in time. Reviewing maintenance records and conducting a full vehicle inspection will be necessary to rule out mechanical issues as a contributing factor.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Collected?
To fully understand what led to this crash, investigators should analyze the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) data to determine speed, braking patterns, and any sudden maneuvers before impact. Additionally, reviewing dashcam footage, driver logs, and electronic logging device (ELD) records could reveal whether the driver had been on the road for excessive hours or was distracted in the moments leading up to the crash.
Why These Questions Matter
When large commercial trucks are involved in crashes, determining the root cause is essential for accountability. In my experience, thorough investigations often uncover factors that weren’t immediately obvious, but are crucial for understanding how and why a collision occurred. Whether this crash was caused by driver error, mechanical failure, or a combination of both, ensuring a full investigation will help those involved get answers.