A three-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 near Alanreed, Texas, claimed the lives of two people on Friday morning. According to the Texas Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 11:38 a.m. when a 2018 Kia Soul, traveling eastbound, struck the rear of a disabled 2014 Kenworth truck tractor that had been stopped in the left lane after an earlier accident. A 2018 Freightliner semi-truck, also traveling east, then rear-ended the Kia, resulting in fatal injuries for the Kia’s occupants, William and Richene McKaig of Phoenix, Arizona. The drivers of both commercial vehicles were uninjured. Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash.
Whenever I hear about a semi-truck stopped in a travel lane, I think about whether it was positioned in a way that gave approaching drivers enough time to react. I also wonder whether the second truck’s driver had enough time to slow down or if distraction played a role.
Did the Second Truck Have Enough Time to Stop?
One key question is whether the Freightliner driver was able to see the disabled truck and the Kia in time to avoid a crash. Large commercial trucks require significant stopping distance, and in situations where visibility is reduced, a truck driver’s ability to react quickly is crucial. Investigators should examine whether the truck was following too closely or if its speed was appropriate for the conditions.
Was the Disabled Kenworth Properly Positioned?
Another factor that should be considered is whether the disabled Kenworth was stopped in a way that gave other drivers enough time to react. Truck drivers are trained to pull off the road safely when a breakdown occurs, and if stopping in a travel lane is unavoidable, proper hazard lights and warning devices should be deployed. Investigators should determine whether the Kenworth driver followed proper safety protocols.
Why Investigations Matter in Semi-Truck Crashes
In my experience, crashes involving semi-trucks require a close examination of multiple factors, including driver behavior and mechanical conditions. These investigations often uncover details that aren’t immediately obvious, but they are essential in understanding what went wrong and providing answers to those who have been affected by the accident.