A serious crash involving a semi-truck in the Town of Wolcott left a 26-year-old Henrietta man with life-threatening injuries on Monday morning. According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the collision occurred at the intersection of State Routes 104 and 370 when a tractor-trailer reportedly failed to yield while making a left turn and collided with the victim’s vehicle. First responders had to extricate the car’s driver, who was then airlifted to Upstate Medical Hospital.
When a semi-truck makes an allegedly unsafe turn and someone is severely injured, it’s important to examine every factor that may have contributed to the crash.
Was the Semi-Truck Operator Fatigued or Distracted?
Investigators will likely look into how long the truck driver had been on duty before the crash. Extended hours without proper breaks can lead to impaired decision-making, slower reaction times, and a higher chance of violating right-of-way rules. If driver logs or electronic logging devices show the operator was nearing or exceeding allowable drive times, that could point to fatigue as a contributing factor.
Were There Any Mechanical Failures?
Because commercial trucks require significantly more time and distance to execute turns safely, investigators may review whether there were any mechanical issues that impacted the vehicle’s performance. Problems with steering, trailer tracking, or brake systems could make maneuvering more difficult. Additionally, problems with acceleration could’ve made an otherwise safe turn risky.
Evidence That Should Be Reviewed
To determine what happened, investigators should gather dashcam footage, traffic camera data, and eyewitness accounts. The truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) can provide insight into speed, braking, and throttle activity at the time of the collision. Intersection layout, sightlines, and signal timing could also help clarify whether the turn was improperly executed.
Why Thorough Investigation Matters
When a crash involving a semi-truck leaves someone with life-threatening injuries, it’s not enough to cite driver error. A full investigation should explore the driver’s behavior and the mechanical condition of the truck. Getting these answers is essential to holding the right parties accountable and helping those affected understand what happened and why.