A collision between a Chevrolet Suburban and a Peterbilt semi-truck occurred Monday evening at the intersection of FM 307 and Interstate 20. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the semi-truck was traveling westbound when it attempted to turn left in front of an oncoming Chevrolet, resulting in a crash. The driver of the Chevrolet, 29-year-old Robert Steffan Mick of Midland, was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi-truck driver was not reported as injured.
When I see a crash like this, I immediately think about the investigative steps needed to determine what went wrong. Left-turn crashes involving semi-trucks often raise questions about whether the turn was made safely.
Did the Semi-Truck Driver Misjudge the Turn?
A left turn across oncoming traffic is one of the riskiest maneuvers a semi-truck can make, especially in high-speed areas. Investigators will need to examine whether the truck driver had enough time to make the turn or if they misjudged the Chevrolet’s speed. They may also want to investigate if distraction played a role.
Were the Truck’s Safety Features in Use?
Semi-trucks are required to have working headlights, turn signals, and reflective markers to ensure they are visible to other drivers. If any of these features were malfunctioning, it could have made it harder for the Chevrolet driver to anticipate the truck’s movement. Investigators should also check whether the truck’s mirrors and cameras were properly adjusted and functioning.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
To get a full picture of the crash, investigators should analyze data from the semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) to determine the truck’s speed and braking activity before the collision. Traffic camera footage or dashcam recordings from other vehicles in the area could provide insight into whether the truck signaled properly before making the turn.
Additionally, investigators should examine the truck’s maintenance records to ensure that braking and lighting systems were in proper working order. The truck driver’s cell phone records could also help determine if distractions may have been a factor.
Why Understanding the Full Picture Matters
A thorough investigation is necessary to determine exactly what led to this crash. When a semi-truck turns in front of approaching traffic, the consequences are deadly. Finding out whether this collision was due to a miscalculated turn, visibility issues, or other factors will help bring clarity and accountability to those affected. In my experience, these cases are rarely as simple as they first appear, which is why every detail matters.