Authorities are investigating a crash on Interstate 80 in Carbon County that left one truck driver dead and another seriously injured. According to reports, a westbound semi-truck crossed into the eastbound lanes near milepost 215, crashing through a guardrail and cable barrier before striking another semi head-on. The co-driver in the sleeper berth of the eastbound truck was killed, while the driver was seriously injured. The westbound truck driver has been charged with vehicular homicide, and the investigation remains ongoing.
When I hear about crashes where a semi crosses the median, I immediately think about how critical a thorough investigation will be. In my experience, these cases often come down to small but important details—things like distraction, fatigue, or mechanical failure—that can explain why a truck left its lane in the first place.
Could Driver Fatigue or Distraction Be Involved?
With one semi reportedly crossing from the westbound lanes into oncoming traffic, investigators will likely look into whether the driver was inattentive or fatigued. Long-haul truck drivers often operate under grueling schedules, and fatigue is a well-documented concern in the trucking industry. Reviewing driver logs, recent rest breaks, and any available phone records could provide insight into whether the driver may have been distracted or too tired to react appropriately.
Could Mechanical Issues Have Contributed?
It’s also possible that mechanical failure—such as a steering issue, brake malfunction, or tire blowout—led the truck to veer out of its lane. Investigators should inspect the truck’s engine control module (ECM) for pre-crash data and review the vehicle’s maintenance records to rule out any problems that could have caused a loss of control.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
A full investigation should include ECM data from both trucks, dashcam or surveillance footage, physical evidence from the roadway, and a reconstruction of the crash scene. Reviewing the maintenance records and the load being carried may also help determine whether anything contributed to the truck’s sudden lane departure. Interviews with witnesses and first responders can also be key in understanding how the crash unfolded.
Why a Thorough Investigation Matters
When a crash this severe happens, it’s not enough to assume the cause based on first impressions. A detailed investigation helps uncover the full picture—something I’ve found is essential, not just for accountability, but also for giving those affected real answers. In many of the cases I’ve worked on, critical facts only came to light after a careful review of physical evidence and truck data. That kind of work can make all the difference.