A crash involving a semi-truck and a pickup truck occurred Wednesday morning in Alachua, FL. According to Florida Highway Patrol, the semi-truck was exiting the Dollar General Distribution Center on County Road 235A when the pickup truck struck the side of its trailer. The pickup driver, a 55-year-old man, died at the scene, while the semi-truck driver was uninjured.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this, I start thinking about the steps investigators need to take to understand what happened. When a semi-truck is involved in a collision, I believe it’s important to examine whether the truck was operating safely and whether all necessary precautions were taken.
Did the Semi-Truck Enter the Roadway Safely?
Trucks pulling onto highways from private driveways or distribution centers must follow strict rules to ensure they don’t create a hazard for other drivers. Investigators should look at whether the semi-truck driver assessed oncoming traffic properly before entering the road.
Were the Truck’s Visibility Features Working?
Large commercial trucks must be equipped with proper lighting, turn signals, and reflective tape to ensure they are visible to other drivers. If the trailer lacked markings or if its lights weren’t functioning, it could have made it more difficult for the pickup driver to see it in time.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
To fully understand the crash, investigators should review several key pieces of evidence. The semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) can provide data on its speed and whether the driver attempted to brake. Additionally, dashcam footage from the truck could clarify whether the driver came to a complete stop before pulling onto the road.
Surveillance footage from the distribution center may also show how long the truck was stopped before entering the highway. They may even want to look at the driver’s cell phone records as well to see if distraction was a factor.
Why a Thorough Investigation Matters
Determining what led to this collision is critical for those affected. Whether it was a matter of visibility, a misjudgment by the truck driver, or another factor entirely, getting a full picture of the crash is essential. In my experience, only a detailed investigation can help uncover what happened.