Early Friday morning, a crash involving two tractor-trailers occurred on Interstate 83 near Exit 4 in Shrewsbury Township. According to authorities, the collision took place in the northbound lanes just before 5 a.m. and resulted in at least one driver being transported to the hospital. Emergency crews also responded to fuel spillage at the scene, a common concern when heavy commercial vehicles are involved.
When I hear about crashes between two tractor-trailers, I know there are often many questions that need answering. These vehicles operate with enormous weight and momentum, which means that even minor misjudgments or equipment failures can result in serious harm.
What May Have Contributed to the Collision?
With two commercial trucks involved, it’s important to consider whether either driver was distracted or fatigued. Investigators should review each driver’s logbooks and hours-of-service compliance, along with any in-cab camera footage or dash cam recordings. This is especially important given that the crash happened early in the morning.
Were Mechanical Issues a Factor?
Another question worth exploring is whether either of the trucks had a mechanical issue that prevented timely braking or evasive action. Equipment like braking systems, tire condition, and trailer lighting must be inspected thoroughly. If one vehicle was stopped or slowed unexpectedly and the other couldn't react in time, a defect in the braking or alert systems could be a contributing factor.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
Investigators should analyze Engine Control Module (ECM) data from both trucks to determine how fast they were traveling, whether braking occurred, and how much time elapsed between hazard recognition and impact. The physical condition of the wreckage, debris field, and any tire markings on the road will help reconstruct how the crash happened. Any available traffic or dash camera footage could also be critical in establishing the exact sequence of events.
Why Careful Investigation Matters in Truck-on-Truck Collisions
In my experience, crashes involving two tractor-trailers often involve complex chains of events. Whether the result of a lapse in attention, mechanical failure, or another issue, getting to the bottom of what happened is essential. A comprehensive and impartial investigation is the best way to provide those affected with answers on why the crash happened in the first place.