Late Tuesday night, a fatal crash occurred on northbound Highway 99 just south of Atwater Boulevard in Merced County involving a UPS semi-truck and a pickup truck carrying a bed camper.
According to California Highway Patrol, a 27-year-old man driving a 1979 Chevrolet Silverado with a 28-year-old passenger had been heading northbound when the camper detached and came to rest in the right lane. It appears the man stopped the truck in the lane and got out to move the camper when both he and the camper were struck by a semi-truck. The truck then hit the Chevy with the passenger still inside. The 27-year-old man died at the scene and the woman suffered major injuries. The semi-truck driver was also injured and transported for treatment. CHP says the crash remains under investigation.
When a semi-truck collides with objects or people in the roadway, it leaves many questions regarding the moments leading up to the crash.
Could Fatigue or Distraction Have Delayed the Truck Driver’s Response?
The semi-truck driver told investigators he saw the man and the camper in the roadway and swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision. Even so, the impact still occurred, and a critical question remains: why wasn’t there enough time to stop or change lanes sooner? The man was reportedly outside his vehicle and attempting to move the camper, which suggests he was visible for at least some period of time before the crash.
In my experience, when a large object and a person are both in the roadway, commercial drivers typically have a window of time to respond, unless something interferes with their ability to react. Investigators will need to look closely at whether distraction or fatigue may have delayed the driver’s response, and whether the crash could have been avoided with earlier action.
Should the Mechanical Condition of the Semi Be Reviewed?
It’s also important to look at whether the semi-truck’s mechanical systems were functioning properly. If the truck had poor headlight coverage, worn brakes, or steering limitations, those issues could have affected the driver’s ability to avoid the crash. Investigators will likely inspect the vehicle’s lighting, braking performance, and tire condition, and review maintenance records to determine whether any mechanical issues played a role.
What Information Will Help Clarify the Crash?
Key data may come from the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), which can reveal speed, throttle position, and braking activity before impact. Investigators will likely also review physical evidence like skid marks and final vehicle positions. Witness statements and dashcam footage, if available, could help provide even more context.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Critical
This crash leaves a lot of questions unanswered. While it’s somewhat clear what happened on Highway 99, there’s very little information on why it happened. A detailed investigation can clarify whether there was enough time to stop, whether equipment played a role, and whether the truck driver was paying full attention to the road. In my view, that’s the only way to ensure those affected get the full picture.