Authorities say a semi-truck allegedly crossed the center line and struck a pickup in a Tuesday morning crash along U.S. Route 4 in Mendon, Vermont. Vermont State Police report that around 5:11 a.m., a 2026 Freightliner Cascadia was headed west toward Rutland when it reportedly veered into the opposite lane and sideswiped a 1998 Ford F-150 driven by 47-year-old Alexander Hernandez-Reyes of Castleton. Hernandez-Reyes suffered significant injuries and was taken to Rutland Regional Medical Center. The Freightliner sustained heavy damage, and the pickup was totaled. Civil charges are pending against the semi-truck’s driver.
Whenever a commercial truck crosses into oncoming traffic, it raises serious questions about what led to such a serious failure in control. In my experience handling these types of crashes, I've found that there are a variety of factors that could’ve contributed to the collision, from driver distraction to mechanical issues.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Contributed to the Crash?
When a commercial vehicle drifts into oncoming traffic, one of the first questions I ask is whether the driver was distracted or fatigued. Truckers often spend long hours on the road, and if a driver loses focus, whether because of a phone, an in-cab device, or sheer exhaustion, they may not recognize they’re drifting until it’s too late. Reviewing the driver’s hours-of-service logs and electronic logging device (ELD) data can help determine whether proper rest periods were observed.
Could a Mechanical Problem Have Played a Role?
Another possibility that should be explored is whether a mechanical issue caused the truck to veer off course. A steering or suspension failure, brake imbalance, or even a tire blowout could explain how the Freightliner crossed into oncoming traffic.
A thorough inspection of the semi’s mechanical systems, especially the front axle, steering components, and braking system, is necessary. Maintenance logs should also be reviewed to determine if any recent repairs were missed or inadequately completed. These records can sometimes reveal long-standing issues that should have been addressed earlier.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed to Understand What Happened?
To determine exactly how and why the semi-truck crossed into the opposite lane, investigators need to examine several key sources of evidence. Engine Control Module (ECM) data can help establish the truck’s speed, braking, and throttle input leading up to the crash. Dash camera footage and any available surveillance video in the area could show lane positioning and reaction time. Police should also collect statements from witnesses and inspect the scene for skid marks or signs of evasive action.
Why Every Detail Deserves Careful Examination
From my experience, crashes involving semi-trucks are rarely the result of a single mistake. Whether this was a case of inattention, misjudgment, or something else entirely, a thorough investigation is critical to understanding what happened and why.