A man from New Jersey was killed Monday night after a tractor-trailer struck a disabled SUV he was pushing on Interstate 78 in Northampton County. According to Pennsylvania State Police, the man was assisting in moving a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox that had run out of fuel at around 10:15 p.m. when an eastbound semi-truck collided with the vehicle in the right travel lane. Another tractor-trailer, parked on the shoulder, was also struck. The woman steering the SUV was hospitalized, and the investigation is ongoing.
When crashes like this happen, especially on major interstates, it’s important to look at how commercial vehicles were being operated in the moments leading up to impact. Given the circumstances, investigators will likely explore a number of contributing factors involving the semi-truck.
Could the Semi-Truck Driver Have Been Distracted or Fatigued?
Late-night driving increases the risk of fatigue, and even a momentary lapse in attention can have serious consequences. Investigators may look into how long the truck driver had been on duty, whether they were operating within federal hours-of-service limits, and whether any distractions, such as a mobile device, could have played a role.
Mechanical and Operational Factors That Deserve Scrutiny
In addition to driver behavior, the condition of the semi-truck should be reviewed. Investigators may inspect the vehicle’s brakes, lighting, and Engine Control Module (ECM) data to determine whether a mechanical issue contributed to the crash or prevented the driver from stopping in time. If the truck’s headlights or hazard lights weren’t functioning properly, that could have affected the driver’s ability to react in time to a slow-moving vehicle in the lane.
Why a Complete Investigation Is Essential
To fully understand how this crash happened, investigators must gather witness statements, ECM data from all involved commercial vehicles, and dash camera footage. They will then need to review whether traffic laws were followed. A thorough investigation can help determine whether the semi-truck’s speed, following distance, or driver conduct were appropriate under the circumstances and whether additional safety failures contributed to the collision.