A collision between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle on Meridian Road in Austintown left one person injured last week. According to police, the crash occurred when the semi-truck, traveling northbound, attempted a left turn onto I-680 and struck the front driver’s side of a southbound car. The impact caused the car to spin and collide with a steel pole.
The semi-truck driver was not injured, but the driver of the car was transported to the hospital. For me, crashes like this raise important questions about whether the semi-truck was operated safely and whether the driver had sufficient visibility to execute the turn.
Did the Semi-Truck Driver Yield Properly?
Semi-trucks require wide turns and extra time to clear intersections safely. Investigators should examine whether the truck driver correctly judged the timing of the turn and yielded to the oncoming car.
Given the size and weight of commercial vehicles, even a minor miscalculation in timing can result in a serious collision. Was the truck driver traveling at an appropriate speed and exercising caution when turning? These questions are essential to understanding whether driver error played a role.
Were There Mechanical Issues with the Semi?
Mechanical problems can also impact a truck driver’s ability to complete a turn safely. Investigators should inspect the truck’s brakes, steering, and turn signals to ensure they were functioning properly. If the truck’s systems were not in good working order, that could have contributed to the crash.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
To reconstruct the events leading up to this crash, investigators should collect data from the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), which can provide insights into speed, throttle usage, and braking before the accident. Physical evidence at the scene, like skid marks and vehicle positions, will also help determine how the crash occurred. Additionally, investigators may want to examine the driver's cell phone records to see if distraction played a role in the crash.
Why These Questions Are Critical
This crash left the car’s driver with injuries, making it crucial to uncover all contributing factors. In my experience, crashes involving semi-trucks often involve preventable factors that become clearer through detailed investigations. Answering these questions is key to providing those impacted by the crash with answers.