The Washington State Patrol is investigating a crash involving a semi-truck and a bicyclist that occurred early Thursday morning in Okanogan County. According to reports, the semi-truck was heading south on Highway 97 and was allegedly passing another vehicle when its mirror struck a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, 25-year-old Robert Mousseaux of Mallott, Washington, was transported to the hospital. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Even a brief lapse in spacing or lane discipline can have serious consequences when a commercial vehicle is involved. In this particular case, it’ll be worth investigating how the passing maneuver was done and whether the semi driver was fully aware of the cyclist.
Was the Semi-Truck Operated with Adequate Clearance?
When a semi-truck passes another vehicle, it’s critical that the driver maintains proper clearance not just for the vehicle being overtaken, but also for any oncoming traffic or individuals on the shoulder. Investigators will likely look at whether the truck had sufficient room to pass safely or if the maneuver placed the bicyclist in unnecessary danger.
Could Driver Distraction or Fatigue Have Played a Role?
If the driver failed to notice the bicyclist in time or didn’t adjust appropriately for the conditions, distraction or fatigue may be a factor. Given that the crash occurred early in the day, investigators should explore whether the trucker was operating under a full duty cycle and whether fatigue could have impaired reaction time or judgment.
What Mechanical Factors Could Be Involved?
If the truck’s mirror extended excessively into the opposing lane or if it was improperly mounted, those issues might have contributed to the impact. Investigators should check whether the mirror configuration was compliant with safety standards and whether any mechanical adjustments made it unsafe for narrow rural highways.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
To understand the cause of the collision, it’s important to examine dashcam footage, Engine Control Module (ECM) data, GPS logs, and physical measurements of the road and vehicles involved. It will also be important to examine the condition of the mirror itself and whether it was mounted properly or had any issues that may have caused it to extend out further than it should.
Why Thorough Investigation Matters in Incidents Like This
In my experience, these kinds of incidents require more than a surface-level review. A bicyclist being struck by a semi-truck mirror isn’t a common occurrence, so it’s essential to determine whether this was a case of poor judgment, improper passing, mechanical oversight, or a combination of factors. That’s the only way to provide real answers to those affected.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us 
AI-SEARCH