Around 6:50 p.m. on Saturday, emergency responders were called to the intersection of North Rangeline Road and Newman Road in Joplin after a serious crash involving a semi-truck and an SUV. According to reports, the semi-truck was heading north on Rangeline while the SUV was traveling south and attempted to turn left onto Newman. The SUV was t-boned by the semi and pushed into a traffic signal pole. Three people were taken to area hospitals, including one who was reportedly transported with life-threatening injuries.
When serious collisions like this occur at intersections, several factors could be at play. Without clear information about signal phases or right-of-way, it's too early to say exactly what caused the impact.
Who Had the Right-of-Way?
One of the key questions in a crash like this is whether the SUV had a protected left turn or whether the semi-truck had a green light to proceed straight through the intersection. Right-of-way rules can be complex at signalized intersections, especially when turn arrows and yield conditions come into play. If the SUV had a green arrow, the truck driver may have been required to yield. If instead the SUV was turning on a solid green, then the driver may have been obligated to yield to oncoming traffic. Until investigators confirm the timing and phasing of the lights, it’s difficult to determine who had the legal right to proceed.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Been a Factor?
Given that one of the vehicles involved was a semi-truck, it’s important to examine whether the driver was alert and responsive in the moments before the crash. In my experience, distraction and fatigue are two of the most common issues in crashes involving commercial trucks. It’s worth considering whether the driver had been on duty for an extended period, and if they were operating under conditions that could have affected their reaction time.
What Information Is Needed to Understand What Happened?
A thorough review of the available evidence will be essential. Investigators will likely need to examine traffic signal timing data to determine whether either driver had a green light or right-of-way. They will also need to review any available surveillance or dashcam footage from nearby vehicles or businesses. Additionally, the semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) could provide valuable information, such as speed, braking activity, and throttle position in the moments leading up to the crash.
Why Getting the Full Picture Requires Investigation
When a crash causes major vehicle damage and results in critical injuries, it’s important to uncover exactly what occurred. While the involvement of a semi-truck raises concerns about driver attentiveness and right-of-way, a full investigation will help determine what role, if any, these factors played.