A collision between an 18-wheeler and a box truck shut down part of I-55 in Memphis on Wednesday afternoon. According to police, the crash occurred just before noon, and one person was transported to Regional One Health with non-critical injuries. Traffic cameras later showed one of the 18-wheelers being towed away while another remained crashed on the highway.
Whenever I hear about a crash involving more than one commercial truck, I think about the many factors that need to be investigated to understand what happened. With few details available, it’s important to ask what role driver actions and mechanical issues played in the collision.
What Factors Could Have Contributed to This Crash?
My primary question is what kinds of factors investigators are looking at. Did one of the trucks make an unsafe lane change? Was there an issue with speed or following too close behind? Since there is little information on the accident, it’s important for investigators to start narrowing down a potential cause.
Authorities should also look at whether braking performance played a role. If either truck attempted to stop abruptly, issues such as brake wear, shifting cargo, or mechanical failure could have impacted the outcome.
What Types of Evidence Should Be Examined?
To gain a full understanding of the crash, authorities should analyze the Engine Control Modules (ECMs) from both trucks, which can provide data on speed, braking, and steering inputs. If available, traffic camera footage might also help show the sequence of events.
Additionally, maintenance records for both trucks should also be examined to rule out mechanical failures. Investigators may even want to look at driver cell phone data to see if distraction potentially contributed to the collision.
Why It’s Important to Ask These Questions
For me, crashes involving large trucks raise important questions about the vehicle’s operation and condition. Determining whether this collision was caused by driver actions, mechanical issues, or other factors is important for understanding the full story of the accident. In my experience, thorough investigations often uncover details that aren’t immediately apparent, giving those involved a clearer picture of what happened.