A crash in Norfolk Tuesday night left one driver hospitalized and two cattle dead after a semi-truck allegedly struck a car at the intersection of 13th Street and Benjamin Avenue. Police reported that the semi, hauling 32 cattle, tipped over following the impact while the car was left heavily damaged. The 31-year-old driver of the car was pinned at first but managed to free himself before being transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities reportedly cited the semi driver, a 25-year-old Minnesota man, for running a red light. He allegedly told officers he did not want to brake hard because of his livestock load.
When a commercial truck operator makes a decision like this, it raises questions about both driver judgment and whether the truck was in a condition to stop safely under the circumstances. Investigators will need to sort through both factors.
Was Driver Fatigue or Distraction a Factor?
Running a red light in a semi-truck is not a small mistake, especially when hauling live cargo. Investigators will likely want to know if distraction or fatigue contributed to the decision not to stop. Reviewing the driver’s logbooks, phone records, and statements from witnesses may help determine whether the violation was simply a matter of poor judgment or connected to a lapse in attention.
Could Equipment or Load Issues Have Contributed?
The driver’s claim that he avoided braking hard because of the cattle load highlights another important angle. Investigators may need to consider whether the truck’s braking system, suspension, or load distribution was in good enough condition to handle a sudden stop safely. A properly maintained semi with secured cargo should be able to stop at an intersection without tipping or injuring the steers. If there were equipment issues or load-securing problems, those could have made the truck more unstable in an emergency.
Evidence That Needs to Be Collected
Key evidence will likely include Engine Control Module (ECM) data to confirm speed, throttle, and brake activity as the truck approached the intersection. Inspecting the truck’s brakes, tires, and suspension will help confirm whether equipment problems limited its ability to stop. Investigators should also document skid marks, vehicle positions, and any traffic camera footage to determine how the truck entered the intersection.
Why a Full Investigation Matters
This crash left a driver injured and livestock killed. To understand how and why it happened, investigators will need to weigh both the driver’s decision-making and the condition of the truck itself. A complete review of the evidence will provide those answers.