A collision involving a semi-truck and a Toyota Corolla on State Road 520 near State Road 528 Tuesday evening left a 24-year-old Palm Bay woman dead. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred around 5 p.m. as the semi-truck, driven by a 61-year-old Orlando man, attempted a left turn at a stop sign after exiting S.R. 528.
Troopers reported that the semi-truck’s trailer was allegedly blocking the eastbound lanes of S.R. 520 when the Toyota collided with its rear left side. The woman was transported to Orlando Health Randal Park, where she was pronounced dead. The truck driver was not injured and remained at the scene.
Whenever I hear about crashes like this, I think about the steps investigators need to take to determine what caused the collision. Even with the amount of details available in current reports, there are some questions that likely still need to be answered.
Was the Semi-Truck’s Turn Executed Safely?
Left turns are among the most dangerous maneuvers for semi-trucks. Because of their size and length, these vehicles require more time and space to clear intersections. If the timing isn’t perfect, the trailer can block oncoming lanes.
In this case, investigators should look closely at how the turn was executed. Did the truck driver have enough time to clear the roadway, or did they misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic? These are critical questions when assessing whether the turn was made safely.
Were Visibility and Road Conditions Factors?
Another important consideration is whether the trailer was properly equipped to be seen by approaching vehicles. Semi-trailers are required to have reflective tape and lighting that meet federal safety standards. Investigators should determine whether these safety measures were in place and functioning at the time of the crash.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
To fully understand what happened, investigators need to gather key evidence. The semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) can provide data on speed and braking at the time of the collision.
Traffic cameras, if available, may offer footage of how the turn was executed and whether there were any delays or issues. Witness statements from other drivers could also provide valuable perspectives on how the crash unfolded.
Why These Questions Matter
This crash resulted in a fatality, so it’s critical to understand why it happened. Determining whether the truck’s turn was safe seems like it will be key to this investigation. In my experience, this kind of detail is essential to providing answers for those affected.