Early Friday morning, a tractor-trailer collided with two vehicles at the intersection of Broad Avenue and Maple Avenue in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The crash, which happened around 2:50 a.m., also caused damage to utility poles and a nearby building. Emergency crews responded to find one person trapped in the wreckage. That individual was extricated and taken to the hospital in stable condition. Authorities are continuing to investigate what caused the tractor-trailer to veer off course.
When a semi-truck is involved in a crash that results in widespread property damage and sends someone to the hospital, it's critical to ask what went wrong.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Played a Role?
Given the early morning hour, investigators will likely consider whether the driver may have been drowsy or inattentive at the time of the crash. Fatigue is a well-documented risk factor in late-night and early-morning commercial driving, and even a brief lapse in focus could lead to a serious crash. Distraction, whether from in-cab technology or other factors, is also worth examining.
Should Mechanical Issues Be Considered?
It’s also important to determine whether a mechanical failure contributed to the collision. Problems with steering, brakes, or suspension components could cause a semi-truck to behave unpredictably. Investigators should review maintenance logs and inspect the vehicle thoroughly. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may hold valuable data about speed, braking activity, and other performance metrics that could shed light on what happened in the seconds leading up to the crash.
What Investigators Should Look At
Beyond the vehicle’s internal data, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may show whether the truck’s movements were consistent with normal operation. Interviews with other drivers and witnesses could clarify whether the semi-truck attempted to avoid the collision or was unable to respond in time.
Why Getting the Full Picture Requires Investigation
Crashes involving large trucks often leave behind more questions than answers. In my experience, it takes a thorough and methodical investigation to determine exactly what caused the accident.