A 62-year-old man from Newberg lost his life in a collision with a semi-truck in rural Washington County, Oregon. According to local authorities, the crash happened around 4 a.m. at the intersection of Southwest Bald Peak Road and Southwest Elsinore Lane.
Investigators reported that Daniel Pfeiffer was driving east on Bald Peak Road when his vehicle collided with a semi-truck that was backing into Elsinore Lane. Pfeiffer was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities stated that the semi-truck driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Whenever I hear about a semi-truck backing into another roadway, I think about whether the driver took the necessary precautions to ensure the maneuver was performed safely. Large commercial trucks have significant blind spots, making reverse maneuvers particularly dangerous if proper warning signals aren’t used.
Did the Truck Driver Follow Safe Procedures?
One of the key questions in this case is whether the truck driver used proper safety measures before reversing into another road. Semi-trucks have limited visibility when backing up, so federal trucking regulations require the use of hazard lights, audible warnings, and, in some cases, a spotter to prevent accidents. Investigators should determine whether the driver activated hazard lights and backup alarms, checked for oncoming traffic before blocking the roadway, or had a spotter assisting with the maneuver.
Was the Truck’s Visibility Equipment Working?
Given that this crash happened early in the morning, poor lighting conditions may have made it harder for the driver of the car to see the semi backing up. Investigators should assess whether the truck had properly functioning lights and reflective markings that would have made it visible to approaching traffic.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Examined?
To get a full picture of what happened, investigators should analyze surveillance or dashcam footage that may have captured the backing maneuver. The semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) should be reviewed to determine whether it was moving slowly and using proper signaling. Lighting conditions at the time of the crash should be evaluated, along with truck maintenance records to confirm whether its backup lights and warning signals were working.
Why Even Ask These Questions?
Crashes involving reversing semi-trucks can be especially dangerous. Understanding whether the truck driver followed proper backing procedures, used adequate warning signals, and ensured the road was clear before reversing is critical to determining responsibility. In my experience, these investigations often reveal critical safety failures that aren’t immediately obvious but are essential for understanding the full scope of the crash.