On Thursday morning, a semi-truck triggered an eight-vehicle collision on I-75 near State Route 103 in Hancock County, Ohio. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, traffic had slowed in the southbound lanes when a semi driven by a 29-year-old from Ontario, Canada, reportedly failed to stop and struck the vehicles ahead. The impact caused a chain reaction involving several passenger vehicles. The truck eventually crossed the median, broke through a cable barrier, and entered the northbound lanes. Three people sustained injuries, including two who were hospitalized with serious conditions. The semi-truck driver was cited at the scene.
I’ve seen many of these pileups, and it only takes one small mistake to cause a serious crash. With that many vehicles involved, it’s critical to understand what led up to the initial collision.
Was the Driver Fatigued or Distracted?
Any investigation into a crash like this one should take a close look at the truck driver’s actions in the moments before impact. Inattentiveness, whether due to distraction or fatigue, is a leading factor in rear-end crashes involving heavy trucks. Investigators will likely review the truck’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD) to determine how long the driver had been on the road, whether they had taken required rest breaks, and if they may have been drowsy at the time of the collision. They should also review phone records, onboard dash camera footage, and GPS data to determine if distraction played a role.
Could Mechanical Problems Have Played a Role?
Given the semi-truck’s failure to stop and its subsequent crossover into oncoming lanes, investigators should also examine whether any mechanical defects contributed to the crash. Brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering issues could all prevent a driver from maintaining control in stop-and-go traffic. Reviewing maintenance logs and inspecting the vehicle’s condition after the crash could provide important answers.
What Information Can Help Clarify the Incident?
To understand how the crash unfolded, investigators should review traffic camera footage and dashcam video. Additionally, the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) may reveal whether the brakes were applied, how fast the vehicle was traveling, and if any mechanical faults were detected. Witness statements and vehicle positioning can also provide insight into how quickly traffic slowed and how the truck responded.
A Thorough Investigation Is Key to Figuring Out What Went Wrong
When a semi-truck allegedly crashes into slow traffic and sets off a chain reaction, it’s not enough to simply cite the driver and move on. A detailed investigation can uncover whether distraction, fatigue, or mechanical problems contributed to the crash. This process helps ensure those injured have a clear understanding of what happened and why.