A driver lost his life early Sunday morning after being struck by a semi-truck while his vehicle was stalled on the shoulder of Interstate 25 near Fountain, Colorado. According to reports, the driver had activated his hazard lights and was standing in front of his Dodge Ram when a Volvo semi-truck veered into the shoulder, colliding with the stalled vehicle and striking the driver. First responders transported him to a hospital, where he later died. Authorities are still investigating why the trucker lost control.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this, I think about the factors that could have led to the truck leaving its lane and striking a vehicle on the shoulder. In similar cases, I always consider whether distraction, fatigue, or a mechanical failure played a role.
Why Did the Truck Veer Onto the Shoulder?
One of the most important questions investigators will need to answer is why the semi-truck left the roadway. Truck drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their vehicles and avoiding obstacles, particularly when other vehicles are stopped on the shoulder. If the driver was distracted or fatigued, that could explain why they drifted off course. Reviewing dashcam footage, driver logs, and cell phone records could help clarify whether inattention contributed to the crash.
Could a Mechanical Failure Have Contributed?
Another factor worth examining is whether the truck suffered a mechanical issue that caused the driver to lose control. Brake malfunctions, steering failures, or tire blowouts could explain why the semi suddenly veered into the shoulder. Investigators should inspect the truck’s maintenance records and ECM (engine control module) data to determine if any mechanical problems played a role.
Why It’s Important to Ask These Questions
For those affected by this crash, understanding what happened is critical. A thorough investigation will help determine whether the truck driver’s actions, equipment failure, or another factor led to the fatal collision. In my experience, crashes like this often have underlying causes that aren't immediately clear. By examining all the possibilities, investigators can provide clarity and accountability for those impacted.