Thursday morning around 6:29 a.m., a fatal collision occurred at the intersection of State Highway 49 and Dairy Road in Dodge County, Wisconsin. According to reports, a semi-truck pulling a tanker trailer was crossing the highway from Dairy Road when it was struck by an eastbound BMW sedan. The semi had reportedly stopped at the stop sign before attempting to cross. The area was blanketed in dense fog at the time, with visibility reduced to less than a quarter mile. The 19-year-old driver of the BMW was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured.
Any time a passenger vehicle crashes into the trailer of a semi-truck, it raises important questions about visibility, vehicle placement, and whether the truck was crossing safely for the conditions.
Was the Semi-Truck Driven Safely for the Conditions?
While fog may limit visibility, it doesn’t cause crashes—driver decisions do. In low-visibility conditions, it’s critical that commercial drivers take extra precautions before crossing intersections, especially when pulling long trailers. Investigators will likely examine whether the semi-truck driver made a careful enough assessment of oncoming traffic before entering the highway and whether the truck was positioned in a way that gave other drivers a fair chance to react. They may also review whether the truck’s reflective markings and lights were functioning properly to maximize visibility in the fog. These are essential questions when determining whether the truck was being operated safely for the conditions at hand.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To fully understand how this collision happened, investigators will likely examine physical evidence from the scene, such as skid marks, point of impact, and the location of the trailer. They may also analyze ECM data from the semi-truck to understand its speed and movement, as well as potential surveillance footage or dash cams in the area. Any visibility-enhancing devices or markings on the trailer will be important in determining whether the BMW driver had any reasonable chance to react in time.
Why a Complete Investigation Matters
When a crash like this involves loss of life, a thorough investigation is essential to determine exactly what led to the accident. Understanding the full sequence of events helps establish accountability and provides answers to those impacted by the crash. When multiple factors may be at play, those answers are especially important.