A crash involving a semi-truck and two passenger vehicles left one person injured Wednesday night at the intersection of Highway 15 and Highway 23 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the semi-truck was traveling south on Highway 15 when it collided with two cars moving east on Highway 23. One of the drivers, 23-year-old Maykenna Goering of Rice, was transported to St. Cloud Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not yet determined what led to the collision.
Whenever I hear about a crash involving a semi-truck and passenger vehicles at an intersection, I can’t help but wonder whether the truck driver was distracted or if mechanical issues played a role in the crash.
Was the Semi-Truck Driver Paying Attention to the Intersection?
Intersections can be especially dangerous for passenger vehicles when large trucks are involved. Given that this four-way intersection has lights, investigators should determine whether the semi-truck driver was following traffic control devices properly. Did the truck driver misjudge the timing of the intersection lights? Was there any potential distraction that contributed to the failure to avoid the other vehicles? Reviewing dashcam footage, traffic camera recordings, and phone records could help clarify whether driver inattention played a role in this crash.
Could a Mechanical Failure Have Contributed?
Mechanical issues can sometimes prevent a truck from stopping in time or reacting appropriately at intersections. Investigators should examine whether the semi-truck’s brakes, steering system, or visibility equipment were functioning properly. Reviewing the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) data and maintenance records could help determine whether the vehicle had any unresolved mechanical problems.
The Importance of Understanding What Happened
For those involved in this crash, finding out what led to the collision is crucial. Determining whether the truck driver was distracted or if mechanical issues prevented the truck from stopping could help establish accountability. In my experience, investigations into truck crashes often reveal preventable factors that need to be examined closely to get the full picture of what happened.