A collision on the Skagit River Bridge left a woman trapped beneath a semi-truck, but she miraculously survived with only minor injuries. According to investigators, the 46-year-old driver of a Nissan Altima had slowed down when traffic ahead of her reduced speed. However, the driver of a tractor-trailer behind her allegedly failed to adjust, crashing into the Altima and driving on top of it. The truck driver was cited for following too closely.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this, I think about the investigative steps needed to determine why the truck driver didn’t stop in time. In this case, the crash was incredibly serious, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Why was the Truck Allegedly Following Too Closely?
One of the key questions is why the semi-truck was allegedly so close to the Altima. Large commercial vehicles require significantly more stopping distance than passenger cars, and failing to account for changing traffic conditions can lead to devastating crashes. Investigators will likely review witness statements, dashcam footage, and ECM data from the truck to determine how much time the driver had to react.
Did Distraction or Fatigue Play a Role?
Authorities should also examine whether the truck driver was distracted at the time of the crash. Cell phone records, in-cab camera footage, and work logs could help determine if the driver was paying full attention to the road or if fatigue contributed to the failure to stop in time. Given that the truck driver allegedly didn’t slow down at all before impact, these factors must be closely examined.
Was the Semi-Truck’s Braking System Functioning Properly?
Mechanical failures can sometimes contribute to crashes like this, particularly if a truck's brakes are not properly maintained. Investigators should inspect brake components, maintenance records, and the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) to determine if the braking system was in working order or if mechanical failure played a role.
Why a Full Investigation Matters
A crash like this highlights the dangers of failing to maintain a safe following distance, particularly for large commercial vehicles. While the woman in the Altima was incredibly fortunate to survive, not every crash ends this way. Thoroughly examining driver actions, mechanical factors, and available evidence is critical to understanding what happened and ensuring accountability.