A collision between two semi-trucks on U.S. 285 south of Roswell left one driver injured and caused significant traffic delays on Friday morning. According to New Mexico State Police, the crash happened near Yakima Road around 7:50 a.m. when a northbound semi-truck clipped the back of another semi as it was turning onto Crossroads Road, causing the turning truck to flip over. The injured driver was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities closed the northbound lanes while clearing debris and investigating the crash.
Whenever I hear about a semi-truck colliding with another while turning, I think about whether the turning truck was visible to other drivers and whether both drivers were paying attention to their surroundings. Large commercial trucks have wide turning radii and significant blind spots, making it critical for other truck drivers to anticipate turns and slow down accordingly.
Was the Following Distance Too Close?
A key question in this crash is whether the northbound truck driver was following too closely to react safely to the turning semi. Large trucks require longer stopping distances, and even a slight miscalculation can lead to a collision like this one. If the northbound semi failed to reduce speed or misjudged the distance, that could explain why it clipped the turning truck, leading to the rollover.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To determine what led to the crash, investigators should analyze the ECM (Engine Control Module) data from both trucks to see speed, braking activity, and acceleration leading up to the impact. Additionally, dashcam footage from either truck could provide insight into whether the turning semi was fully visible and whether the northbound truck driver attempted to stop or change lanes. Reviewing driver logs could also indicate whether fatigue played a role, as drowsy driving can contribute to delayed reaction times.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Essential
Crashes involving two semi-trucks raise unique concerns. Understanding whether this collision was caused by following too closely, failing to slow down, or some other factor will be crucial in determining who is responsible. In my experience, these investigations often uncover details that weren’t immediately obvious but are critical to understanding the full picture of what happened.