A crash on I-75 in Monroe County is under investigation after a semi-truck collided with multiple Michigan Department of Transportation vehicles. The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. in the northbound lanes near the I-275 interchange. According to Michigan State Police, the semi-truck reportedly jackknifed and struck two MDOT attenuator trucks while road crews were patching the left lane. The semi-truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Several MDOT workers suffered minor injuries.
In a case like this, I’m interested in what may have caused the semi to lose control and whether a mechanical or product failure contributed to the crash.
Could a Mechanical Defect Have Contributed?
A jackknife incident raises immediate questions about the condition of the semi-truck at the time of the crash. Brake failure, tire blowouts, or problems with the truck’s load distribution system could all lead to a loss of control. If the driver was attempting to slow down or maneuver around stopped vehicles, even a minor malfunction might have prevented a safe response. Investigators will need to examine whether something within the vehicle failed at a critical moment.
What Evidence Needs to Be Examined?
The truck’s maintenance history, especially related to brakes, tires, and suspension components, will be essential. Investigators will also want to examine the Engine Control Module (ECM) to determine the truck’s speed, braking activity, and throttle position before the crash. The condition and deployment of the attenuator systems on the MDOT vehicles may also help determine the crash dynamics. If a product defect played a role, physical evidence from the truck, such as damaged brake components or tire remnants, should be preserved for forensic analysis.
Why Thorough Investigation Is Crucial
When a crash results in a fatality and injuries, it’s critical to find out why it happened. A complete investigation can help determine whether this was simply driver error or whether something went wrong with the vehicle itself. In this case, getting these answers is critical to understanding exactly why the crash happened.