A fatal crash involving a semi-truck occurred on US 2, five miles west of Newport, Washington, on Friday afternoon. According to the Washington State Patrol, both vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the 32-year-old driver in the semi-truck moved into the southbound lane to avoid a turning car. After making the maneuver, he collided with the driver’s side of 31-year-old Austin R. Fuller’s vehicle, killing him at the scene.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this involving a semi-truck, I think about whether factors like distraction or fatigue played a role in the impact. Crossing into oncoming traffic is dangerous, even if it’s an evasive maneuver to avoid another collision.
Did Fatigue or Distraction Play a Role?
Long-haul truck drivers often spend extended hours on the road, which can lead to fatigue that slows reaction times. Additionally, distraction—whether from mobile devices, in-cab systems, or other factors—can prevent drivers from responding to sudden hazards in time. Investigators should review the truck driver’s hours-of-service logs, cell phone records, and any available in-cab footage to determine whether fatigue or distraction played a role in this collision.
Was the Semi-Truck Following Too Closely?
Semi-trucks require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles, especially when fully loaded. If the truck driver was following too closely behind other traffic, they may not have had enough time to react when the vehicle ahead suddenly turned. Investigators should examine witness statements, skid mark analysis, and ECM (Engine Control Module) data to determine whether the truck was maintaining a safe following distance before the crash.
Why These Kinds of Questions Are Important
Semi-truck crashes can be devastating, and understanding why they happen is critical to ensuring accountability. In my experience, these investigations often reveal factors that aren’t immediately obvious but are essential in determining the full scope of what led to the collision.