Early Monday morning, a 37-year-old Janesville man was killed when his Chevrolet Blazer collided with a parked semi-truck on the shoulder of I-39 near Mile Post 157, just outside Stoughton, Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, the semi was stopped on the right shoulder at the time of the crash. The driver of the Freightliner was not injured, but the driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a case like this, I think it’s important to determine whether the semi was parked legally and whether proper precautions were taken to ensure the truck was visible to other drivers. When large trucks are stopped on or near active travel lanes, even small mistakes, like a missing reflective triangle or inactive hazard lights, can lead to serious outcomes.
Was the Truck Parked in Accordance With Safety Regulations?
When a semi-truck is stopped on the shoulder, federal and state regulations require the driver to activate hazard lights immediately and deploy reflective warning devices. Investigators will need to confirm whether these precautions were followed in this case. It’s also worth examining whether the shoulder at that location provided enough space to allow the truck to stop without encroaching on the roadway.
Could Mechanical Issues or Lighting Defects Have Contributed?
It’s also possible the semi-truck suffered a mechanical failure or had lighting or trailer marker light defects that impacted its visibility. Investigators should inspect the truck’s lighting systems, reflectors, and condition of the trailer to determine whether it would have been reasonably visible to approaching traffic.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To clarify what led to the crash, authorities should analyze dashcam footage from the semi, gather surveillance from nearby traffic cameras, and download ECM data from the truck. This information could provide crucial details about when and why the truck stopped, as well as the Blazer’s speed and position leading up to impact.
Why a Thorough Investigation Matters
Fatalities involving parked commercial vehicles often come down to visibility, driver reaction time, and proper compliance with safety procedures. A detailed investigation here can determine whether the truck was legally and safely parked, or if a lapse in standard safety practices contributed to the driver’s death.
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