A crash on Interstate 94 near Gladstone resulted in one death and several serious injuries after a Freightliner semi-truck rear-ended a Kia Optima. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the Kia was slowing down when it was struck by the semi around 7:50 p.m. The impact left one woman dead and injured multiple other passengers, including children. The semi-truck driver was uninjured. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances of the crash.
Whenever I hear about a rear-end collision involving a semi-truck, I think about what could have caused the driver to strike a slower-moving vehicle. Commercial trucks require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles, so understanding why the truck failed to slow in time is a critical part of this investigation.
Why Didn’t the Semi-Truck Stop in Time?
One of the most pressing questions is why the truck wasn’t able to stop in time. Investigators will need to determine if speed, distraction, or following distance played a role in the crash. Large trucks require several hundred feet to come to a complete stop, and even a slight delay in reaction time can make a significant difference.
Another factor worth examining is whether the truck’s braking system was fully functional. Commercial vehicles undergo regular inspections, but brake wear, air brake malfunctions, or improper maintenance could have impacted the truck’s ability to stop in time. Investigators should review maintenance records to determine if the vehicle was in proper working order.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
To piece together what happened, investigators should analyze Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the semi-truck, which can provide insight into its speed, braking activity, and throttle use before the crash. Surveillance or dashcam footage could help determine if the truck driver attempted evasive action. Additionally, the driver’s cell phone records could show if there was any potential distraction.
Why This Investigation Matters
Collisions like this highlight the dangers of rear-end crashes involving large trucks. In my experience, these types of wrecks often come down to driver attentiveness, safe following distances, and vehicle maintenance. A thorough investigation is essential to understanding why this happened and ensuring accountability for those affected.