A driver was hospitalized Friday morning following a crash involving two commercial trucks on State Route 347 near Maricopa, Arizona.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the collision occurred around 8:43 a.m. at the intersection of SR 347 and Riggs Road. Investigators reported that a box truck and a truck-tractor pulling two semi-trailers collided, causing the box truck—loaded with pesticide—to roll over. The driver of the box truck was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision.
Whenever I hear about a crash involving multiple commercial vehicles at an intersection, I think about the importance of timing, right-of-way awareness, and the need for extra caution when operating large trucks near cross traffic. In my experience, collisions between commercial vehicles often highlight how critical it is for truck drivers to stay vigilant and ready to react, especially at busy intersections where large, heavy vehicles have less room for error.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Affected the Truck Drivers’ Reaction Times?
At intersections, maintaining full attention is absolutely crucial. Even a brief lapse in focus, whether due to distraction inside the cab or fatigue from long hours behind the wheel, can prevent a driver from noticing traffic patterns, light changes, or the positioning of other vehicles.
Investigators should review both drivers' hours-of-service logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and any available dash cam footage to assess whether either driver may have been distracted or fatigued at the time of the crash. These factors can be critical in determining why the collision occurred and whether either driver missed an opportunity to prevent it.
Could Mechanical Issues Have Limited a Driver’s Ability to Avoid the Crash?
Another important question is whether a mechanical issue with either truck, such as braking problems, steering failure, or tire issues, played a role in the collision. Even an attentive driver can find themselves unable to stop or maneuver properly if the vehicle’s systems are compromised.
A thorough inspection of both vehicles should be conducted, including a review of maintenance records and recent inspection reports, to ensure that mechanical failure did not contribute to the crash.
What Evidence Needs to Be Collected?
To fully understand how this crash unfolded, investigators should gather Engine Control Module (ECM) data from both trucks, which can reveal speed, braking effort, throttle input, and gear selection in the moments leading up to the collision. Physical evidence from the scene—such as skid marks, vehicle damage, debris patterns, and final vehicle positions—will also help reconstruct the crash. Any available intersection traffic camera footage could provide additional context about the sequence of events.
Why Getting the Full Picture Requires Investigation
From my experience, crashes between commercial vehicles are rarely the result of a single mistake. They often involve a combination of factors, including speed, inattention, and vehicle condition. A thorough investigation is the only way to uncover the facts, understand what really happened, and ensure that accountability is determined based on a complete and accurate picture.