A collision between a semi-truck and a tour bus on I-94 near mile marker 10 left multiple people injured on Sunday evening. According to Michigan State Police, the semi-truck allegedly caused the initial impact, leading the bus to veer off the road while the semi rolled onto its side. The semi-truck driver and all seven passengers on the bus were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Whenever I hear about a semi-truck colliding with a passenger bus, I think about how crucial it is for commercial vehicle drivers to maintain safe speeds and distances, especially on highways. Buses carry multiple passengers, and any high-speed impact can put everyone at serious risk of injury.
Was the Semi Following Too Closely?
One of the biggest concerns in a bus and semi-truck crash is whether the truck was following too closely. Large commercial vehicles need significantly more stopping distance than smaller passenger vehicles. If the semi failed to leave enough space or was traveling too fast for conditions, it could explain why it struck the bus.
Did the Semi Make an Unsafe Lane Change?
Another detail that investigators should consider is whether the initial collision was caused by an unsafe lane change. Semis need a lot of room to move over safely without cutting people off. This is especially true if they try to maneuver in front of another large vehicle.
Was the Semi-Truck Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
Another important factor in this crash is whether the semi-truck driver was paying full attention to the road. Distraction or fatigue can play a major role in highway collisions, especially involving large commercial vehicles. If the driver was looking at a phone, adjusting GPS, or fatigued from excessive hours on the road, it could have delayed reaction times, contributing to the crash.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
To fully understand what led to this crash, investigators should examine ECM (Engine Control Module) data from the semi-truck to determine its speed, braking activity, and steering inputs before impact. Additionally, dashcam footage from either the semi or the bus could provide valuable insight into what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. Reviewing driver logs can also help determine if the semi-truck driver was fatigued due to exceeding hours-of-service regulations.
Why Thorough Investigations Matter
Crashes involving commercial trucks and passenger buses can have severe consequences, and understanding why the semi-truck caused the initial impact is critical. Investigators need to determine whether the truck driver’s actions or other factors contributed to the crash. In my experience, these investigations often reveal key details that weren’t immediately obvious at the scene but are crucial for understanding the full scope of what happened.