Early Tuesday morning, a semi-truck collided with the back of a garbage truck that was stopped for collection on Highway 74/76 in Delco, North Carolina. According to the Acme-Delco-Riegelwood Fire Department, the impact left the garbage truck driver injured, requiring hospitalization. Authorities have not yet released further details about what caused the crash.
Whenever I hear about crashes like this, I can’t help but wonder whether the semi-truck driver had enough awareness of the stopped garbage truck or if a mechanical issue prevented them from stopping in time.
Was the Semi-Truck Driver Distracted?
One of the key questions investigators should ask is whether the semi-truck driver was paying full attention to the road. Garbage trucks make frequent stops in active roadways, requiring surrounding drivers—especially those operating large commercial vehicles—to remain alert and prepared to slow down. Authorities should review whether in-cab footage, dashcam recordings, or cell phone records indicate any potential distraction at the time of the crash. If the driver was adjusting GPS, using a mobile device, or otherwise not focused on the road, that could have played a significant role in the collision.
Could a Mechanical Issue Have Been a Factor?
Another important aspect of the investigation should be determining whether the semi-truck had any mechanical failures leading up to the crash. If the truck’s braking system malfunctioned, that could explain why the collision occurred. Investigators should review the truck’s maintenance records, conduct a full inspection of its braking system, and check ECM (Engine Control Module) data to determine whether the truck was properly maintained and functioning at the time of the crash.
Why Investigating These Factors Matters
For those affected by this crash, understanding what happened is essential. Determining whether the semi-truck driver was distracted or the semi itself had a mechanical issue will be key in establishing accountability. In my experience, investigations into crashes like this often uncover preventable factors that aren’t immediately obvious but are critical for getting the full picture of what happened.