A collision between two semi-trucks on I-15 near Corinne, Utah, sent one driver to the hospital with serious injuries. According to the Utah Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when a semi that had been stopped on the right shoulder attempted to merge back into traffic, pulling in front of an oncoming semi. Despite the oncoming driver’s attempt to move left to avoid a collision, the two trucks still made contact.
Whenever I hear about crashes like this, I immediately think about whether the merging truck driver had enough space to safely re-enter the highway. Large commercial vehicles take longer to accelerate and merge, making it critical that truck drivers only re-enter lanes when it's safe to do so.
Did the Merging Truck Re-Enter the Highway Safely?
One key question in this crash is whether the merging driver properly checked for oncoming traffic before entering the highway. Semi-trucks have large blind spots, and if the driver failed to accurately judge the speed of approaching vehicles, it could have led to this dangerous situation. Investigators will likely review dashcam footage, driver statements, and electronic logging data to determine whether the merging driver made a safe decision.
Were There Mechanical Issues?
Another factor to consider is whether a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. If the merging truck had malfunctioning lights or was unable to accelerate properly due to mechanical issues, it could have made it harder for the oncoming semi to react in time. Reviewing maintenance records and inspecting the merging truck’s lighting and acceleration capability will be crucial.
The Importance of a Thorough Investigation
Crashes involving commercial vehicles can be complex, and determining what caused them isn’t always straightforward. In my experience, investigating factors like driver actions and potential mechanical issues often uncovers critical details. Ultimately, understanding what happened is an important step for those affected by the accident.