A crash on the Indiana Toll Road near the 94-mile marker Friday evening left a 19-year-old Illinois man with serious injuries. According to Indiana State Police, the incident occurred when the man’s Ford SUV spun out on snow-covered roads and came to rest in the middle of the highway, blocking the eastbound lanes.
After exiting his vehicle, the man was standing near the driver’s side when a Volvo semi-truck struck the SUV on its passenger side. The force of the impact pushed the SUV into the man, throwing him into a roadside ditch. Emergency responders transported him to Memorial Hospital in South Bend with serious injuries. The semi-truck driver was unharmed.
When I read about crashes like this, I think about whether the semi-truck was operating safely for the conditions and whether more could have been done to avoid the collision.
Was the Semi-Truck Driving Safely for the Conditions?
The snow-covered roads were undoubtedly hazardous, but it’s important to ask whether the semi-truck driver adjusted their speed and driving behavior to account for the conditions. Large trucks require greater stopping distances even on dry roads, so icy conditions can make it even harder to avoid a collision. Investigators should determine whether the semi-truck was traveling too fast for the weather or if braking was delayed.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
A thorough investigation requires reviewing the semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) to determine its speed, braking, and throttle usage before the crash.
Dashcam footage from the semi-truck, if available, may show whether the semi was maintaining safe speeds for the snowy conditions. Witness statements from other drivers on the road could also provide information about how the semi-truck was operating in the moments leading up to the crash.
Why This Investigation Matters
This crash resulted in serious injuries, so it’s crucial to determine whether the semi-truck was operating safely for the icy conditions. Investigating the driver’s actions, the truck’s speed, and how the collision unfolded will help provide clarity and accountability. In my experience, answering these questions is essential for understanding the full story behind crashes like this one.