A tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 195 at the Massachusetts/Rhode Island border left 13 people injured and involved 12 vehicles Tuesday morning. According to Rhode Island State Police, the semi-truck failed to stop for traffic, setting off a chain-reaction collision. First responders from both states were called to the scene. Authorities have charged the truck driver with driving to endanger resulting in physical injury, and he is set to be arraigned following his release from the hospital.
Whenever I hear about a semi-truck failing to stop for slowed or stopped traffic, I think about whether driver fatigue, distraction, or mechanical failure played a role. Large commercial trucks require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, and if a driver isn’t fully attentive or the truck isn’t in good working order, crashes like this can happen.
Was the Semi-Truck Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
One of the biggest questions investigators need to answer is why the truck driver failed to stop in time. Distracted driving—whether from cell phone use, adjusting controls, or looking away from the road—is a leading cause of rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks.
Fatigue is also a major concern in trucking. Federal regulations limit how many hours a trucker can drive before taking mandatory breaks, but violations are somewhat common. Investigators should examine the driver’s logbooks, rest breaks, and recent driving history to determine whether fatigue impaired his ability to react in time.
Did Mechanical Issues Prevent the Truck from Stopping?
Another factor to consider is whether a brake failure, tire issue, or other mechanical defect played a role. Given the weight of a fully loaded semi-truck, properly functioning brakes are critical to preventing catastrophic collisions. Investigators should inspect the truck’s braking system, maintenance records, and tire condition to determine if equipment failure contributed to the crash.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To fully understand what happened, investigators should analyze the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), which records speed, braking activity, and acceleration leading up to the crash. Reviewing dashcam footage, cell phone records, and witness statements will also be crucial in determining whether the driver was distracted or if the truck itself failed to stop due to mechanical reasons.
Why a Thorough Investigation Matters
For the people injured in this crash, understanding why the truck failed to stop is critical. If distraction, fatigue, or mechanical failure played a role, that means this pileup may have been preventable. In my experience, thorough investigations often reveal details that aren’t immediately apparent, but they are essential for ensuring accountability and helping those affected understand the full picture of what happened.