On the morning of May 30, a two-vehicle crash involving 18-wheelers on westbound I-16 near mile marker 101 left one driver dead and another injured. According to early reports, one semi-truck was merging into the right lane from the emergency shoulder when it was struck from behind by another tractor-trailer traveling in the same lane. The driver of the moving truck was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the merging truck was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash closed the westbound lanes of I-16 for nearly seven hours as investigators worked to document and clear the scene.
When two commercial trucks collide on the open highway, especially when one is merging and the other is traveling at full speed, there are usually several factors that need to be examined carefully.
Was the Parked Truck Merging Safely?
Merging from the shoulder into a live lane is one of the riskiest maneuvers a commercial driver can make. Investigators will likely focus on whether the merging truck used its signals, had enough time and space to re-enter traffic, and whether it posed an unexpected hazard to vehicles already in the lane. In situations like this, it's important to determine whether the driver merging into traffic created a dangerous condition that gave the other driver little or no time to respond.
Should Mechanical Issues Be Ruled Out?
In crashes involving two large trucks, mechanical performance is always worth examining. If the merging truck had engine trouble, tire damage, or braking issues that required it to stop on the shoulder in the first place, those details could matter. Similarly, if the truck that struck from behind had brake problems or limited steering response, that might explain the inability to avoid the collision. Maintenance history and inspection records for both vehicles will be important parts of the investigation.
What Investigators Should Look At
To understand what led to the crash, authorities will likely analyze Engine Control Module (ECM) data from both trucks to determine speed, throttle use, and braking activity. They may also review dashcam footage, road markings, and signal usage. The exact position of the vehicles before and after impact can also help clarify whether the merging truck re-entered traffic abruptly.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Important
When a crash between two semi-trucks results in a fatality, it’s essential to get the facts straight. Whether the issue was an unsafe merge, delayed reaction, or equipment failure, each piece of information helps explain how the crash occurred. In my experience, a detailed investigation is the only way to provide answers for those affected and to determine exactly why the accident happened in the first place.