A collision between two semi-trucks on FM 1776 in Ward County left both drivers dead on March 1. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the crash occurred when a southwest-bound semi attempted to avoid a slower-moving vehicle and veered into the northeast lane, colliding head-on with another semi-truck. The drivers of both trucks were pronounced dead at the scene.
Whenever I hear about a fatal crash involving two semi-trucks, I think about how quickly things can go wrong when large commercial vehicles have to make sudden maneuvers. A head-on collision between two big rigs is an especially violent type of crash, and I can’t help but wonder what factors contributed to this wreck.
Was the Semi-Truck Following Too Closely?
One major question is whether the southwest-bound semi was maintaining a safe following distance. Large trucks require significantly more time and space to stop than passenger vehicles. If the truck was too close to the slower-moving vehicle, it may not have had enough time to slow down safely, forcing the driver to veer into the opposite lane to avoid a rear-end collision.
Investigators should examine whether speed, distraction, or fatigue played a role in the truck driver’s decision to swerve into oncoming traffic.
Were Mechanical Issues a Factor?
Another possibility is that a mechanical failure, such as brake problems or a steering malfunction, prevented the truck from slowing down safely. Brake system failures in heavy commercial vehicles can be catastrophic, especially when trucks are traveling at highway speeds. Investigators should conduct a thorough review of the southwest-bound truck’s maintenance records to determine whether any known defects could have contributed to the crash.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Examined?
To fully understand what led to this crash, investigators should examine the ECM (Engine Control Module) data from the southwest-bound semi-truck. This data can reveal speed, braking activity, and steering inputs in the moments before impact. Dashcam footage from either truck, as well as any traffic camera recordings, could also help determine how quickly events unfolded. Additionally, driver logs and cell phone records should be reviewed to check for signs of distraction or fatigue.
Why Ask These Questions?
Crashes involving head-on collisions between semi-trucks are often some of the most severe due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. Understanding why the southwest-bound truck veered into the opposite lane is critical for determining whether driver error, mechanical failure, or other factors played a role. In my experience, these investigations often reveal details that weren’t immediately obvious but are crucial in understanding the full scope of what happened.