A teenager was killed Saturday morning when he was hit by a semi-truck on Interstate 10. Authorities say that the 17-year-old, a senior at Biloxi High School and member of the basketball team, was standing in the left lane next to a disabled Jeep when he was struck near mile marker 20. Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to the scene around 4:20 a.m., where the teen was pronounced dead. The crash remains under investigation.
When I hear about a crash like this, I think about how many questions can be left unanswered without a thorough investigation. Early morning crashes often have factors that aren’t obvious in the beginning of the investigation.
Was Driver Fatigue or Distraction a Factor?
Given that the crash occurred in the early morning hours, it’s important to consider whether the semi-truck driver may have been fatigued or distracted. Professional drivers spend long hours on the road, and despite regulations designed to limit driving time, fatigue remains a major issue in the trucking industry. Distraction—whether from a phone, GPS, or other in-cab devices—can also delay reaction times in critical moments. Investigators should review the truck’s logbooks and digital hours-of-service records to determine how long the driver had been behind the wheel. They should also examine cell phone records, in-cab camera footage, and data from the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) to identify any signs of distraction or delayed reaction before the crash.
Could Mechanical Failure Have Played a Role?
Another important angle is whether the semi-truck itself had any mechanical problems that could have contributed to the collision. Failing brakes, worn tires, or faulty lights can all impair a driver’s ability to see or stop in time. Inspecting the truck’s equipment and maintenance records will be a crucial part of the investigation.
The Importance of a Full Investigation
When a pedestrian is fatally hit by a semi, there are many questions that need to be answered to figure out how it happened. In my experience, deeper investigations into semi-truck crashes often uncover issues—like driver fatigue, maintenance problems, or potential distraction—that aren’t obvious at first. These details can be essential for helping those affected by the crash understand what really happened and why.