A 78-year-old woman was killed Tuesday afternoon when her Subaru Outback collided with a semi-truck at the intersection of Highway 169 and Highway 282 in Jordan, Minnesota. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred just before 1 p.m. when the woman was driving westbound on Highway 282 and entered the intersection. A southbound Peterbilt semi struck her vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities are continuing to investigate what led to the crash.
Whenever I review a crash like this, especially one involving a semi-truck at a major intersection, I think about how essential it is to establish a clear sequence of events. In my experience, that means looking beyond surface-level details and digging into the specific evidence that can tell the full story.
Who Had the Right-of-Way?
One of the most important unanswered questions in this case is who had the right-of-way at the time of the crash. In this case, this highway intersection is controlled by traffic lights, so determining which vehicle had the legal right to proceed is key to understanding what went wrong. Investigators will likely examine light timing records, if available, and review footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses to determine how each vehicle entered the intersection.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
To support those findings, authorities should also review the semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), which can provide critical data such as speed, braking, and throttle input. Witness statements and physical evidence, such as skid marks, vehicle positioning, and damage patterns, will also play a role. All of this evidence can help identify which vehicle had the right-of-way.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Important
When a crash results in the loss of life, it’s critical that investigators collect every piece of relevant evidence. In my experience, these details often make the difference in understanding exactly what happened and why. Whether it's data from the truck, footage from nearby cameras, or the sequence of signal changes, a full investigation helps provide those affected with answers.