A 24-year-old Hays woman, Janeeth Martinez-Salinas, was hospitalized Monday morning after her car collided with the rear end of a semi-trailer that was partially obstructing the eastbound lane of Highway 40. Authorities say the semi, a 2021 Peterbilt pulling a flatbed trailer, had turned and parked in a field entrance but failed to fully clear the roadway. The Chevrolet Malibu Martinez-Salinas was driving collided with the exposed trailer and came to rest in a nearby ditch. The semi-truck driver was not injured.
When I hear about a crash like this, I immediately think about the importance of how a truck is positioned after pulling off the road. In my experience, even if a vehicle is legally stopped, a partially obstructing trailer poses a serious hazard—especially in areas where visibility may be limited. Investigators will need to determine whether the trailer was safely positioned and clearly marked.
Why Was the Trailer Obstructing the Roadway?
A key issue in this case is why the trailer wasn’t fully off the roadway and if the driver used proper warning signals. If any portion of a trailer is left in a travel lane—especially around a curve, near a hill, or during low-visibility hours—it becomes a dangerous obstacle. Commercial drivers are trained to ensure their rigs are parked safely and must deploy hazard lights or reflective triangles when stopped.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
Investigators will want to examine dash camera footage, physical markings on the road, and the final position of the semi-truck and trailer. Photos of the trailer’s reflective tape and lighting equipment can also be critical. In addition, statements from witnesses and data from the Engine Control Module (ECM) may help confirm why the truck was stopped and whether any warnings were given to oncoming traffic.
The Importance of Asking These Questions
Crashes involving parked or partially obstructing trucks often raise questions about whether the accident was preventable. In my experience, details like the trailer’s position and whether warning signals were used can make all the difference in determining why the crash happened in the first place. A full investigation is the only way to ensure that those affected by the crash get answers to these questions.