Texas DPS troopers are investigating a crash east of Crockett that left two people injured on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:47 p.m. when a 2010 Peterbilt 388 towing a 2020 AOM trailer allegedly failed to control its speed and rear-ended a 2017 GMC Acadia as it slowed to make a left turn into a private drive. The semi driver, a 61-year-old man, and the GMC driver, 64-year-old Donna Trudia, were both transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
When a semi-truck reportedly fails to stop in time for slowing traffic, investigators must look at whether driver alertness, vehicle condition, or both played a role.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Played a Role?
Rear-end crashes with large commercial trucks are often linked to lapses in attention or driver fatigue. At highway speeds, even a brief distraction like glancing at a phone or adjusting in-cab equipment can prevent a semi-truck driver from reacting in time. Investigators will likely review hours-of-service compliance to see if fatigue was a factor, and may check electronic logging data or phone records to determine whether distraction played a role.
Were Mechanical Issues a Factor?
Another key part of this investigation will be the condition of the Peterbilt. Investigators will want to know if brake wear, tire integrity, or a defect in the trailer’s braking system contributed to the truck’s inability to slow down. Maintenance records, inspection reports, and data from the truck’s onboard systems could help determine whether this was purely driver error or if equipment failure made the situation worse.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
The Engine Control Module (ECM) from the semi will provide valuable data, including speed, throttle position, and brake application in the moments before impact. Physical evidence such as skid marks, vehicle positions, and debris patterns will also help reconstruct the sequence of events. Statements from witnesses or nearby surveillance video could further clarify whether the semi appeared to brake late or drift before striking the GMC.
Why a Thorough Investigation Matters
This crash demonstrates the risks when a semi-truck cannot stop in time for passenger vehicles ahead of it. A detailed investigation into driver condition, mechanical reliability, and other factors will be essential to explain what caused this crash and to ensure accountability is assigned where appropriate.