The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal collision on U.S. 42 near State Route 603 that claimed the life of 77-year-old Gail Anne Moore. According to reports, Moore’s Honda CRV collided with the left rear of a flatbed trailer attached to a Peterbilt semi-truck as it was turning left onto U.S. 42.
For me, incidents like this raise several questions about whether the semi-truck was operated and positioned safely during the turn.
Was the Semi-Truck Positioned Properly During the Turn?
Turning a semi-truck with a flatbed trailer requires significant space and precision to avoid obstructing oncoming lanes. Investigators should evaluate whether the truck driver executed the turn safely and in compliance with traffic laws.
Did the trailer extend into the southwest lane for longer than necessary, creating a hazard for approaching vehicles? A closer look at the truck’s movements and positioning will help determine whether the truck driver’s actions contributed to the collision.
Were Visibility and Warning Measures Sufficient?
Visibility is a key consideration when large vehicles like semi-trucks occupy or block a lane during turns. Since the accident happened in the evening, investigators should examine whether the trailer was equipped with proper reflective markings, lights, and signals to alert other drivers of its presence.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To gain a full understanding of the crash, investigators should collect data from the semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) to determine its speed and braking activity.
Physical evidence at the scene, such as the angle of the trailer, tire marks, and the position of the vehicles, will provide crucial details about the sequence of events. Witness accounts and dashcam footage could also help identify the truck driver’s actions leading up to the collision.
Why These Questions Matter
This crash resulted in a loss of a life, so it’s essential to uncover the full picture of what happened. Throughout my years as a truck accident attorney, I’ve found that an investigation is thorough when it answers all the questions those affected have.