An off-duty Munster police officer, Ryan Perez, was killed in a crash involving a semi-truck early Tuesday morning. According to authorities, the collision occurred around 1:05 a.m. on Wicker Avenue (US 41) in unincorporated Lake County, south of St. John. Preliminary reports indicate that Perez was driving northbound in a Dodge Ram, while the semi-truck was traveling southbound when the two vehicles collided. The semi-truck driver was uninjured and taken for state-mandated Department of Transportation testing, as required after a fatal crash. Investigators are still working to determine what factors contributed to the incident.
Whenever I hear about a semi-truck crash involving opposing directions of travel, I think about whether the semi crossed the centerline. These types of crashes can be particularly dangerous due to the size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles.
Was the Semi-Truck Driver Fatigued or Distracted?
Given that the crash happened just after 1:00 a.m., investigators should look into whether driver fatigue or distraction played a role. Long-haul truck drivers often work overnight shifts, where drowsiness can set in. Reviewing hours-of-service logs, in-cab camera footage, and cell phone records could help determine whether fatigue or inattention contributed to the crash.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
To fully understand what happened, investigators should review Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the semi-truck to analyze speed, braking, and steering inputs before impact. Additionally, dashcam footage, roadway surveillance, and forensic evidence from the crash site should be analyzed to determine whether the semi crossed into the other vehicle’s lane or if another factor played a role in the collision.
The Importance of Getting Answers
Collisions between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles often result in severe or fatal injuries due to the size and weight difference between the vehicles. Understanding whether fatigue, distraction, or other driver actions contributed to this crash is essential. In my experience, investigations like these often reveal critical details that weren’t immediately obvious but are crucial for understanding the full scope of the crash.