A semi-truck allegedly failed to navigate a curve on Wyoming Highway 372 leading to a fatal collision with a Honda Odyssey on Wednesday. According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Volvo truck tractor pulling an enclosed trailer was traveling west when it went straight instead of following the curve, striking the Odyssey broadside. Two people in the Odyssey, 47-year-old Jeffrey Wilson and 32-year-old Kathrine Franklin, were killed. A third occupant of the vehicle was hospitalized with injuries. Investigators are looking into whether speed and inattention contributed to the crash.
Whenever I hear about a crash where a semi-truck fails to navigate a curve, I think about whether the driver was fatigued, distracted, or driving too fast for the roadway conditions. Large commercial vehicles require precise handling, and losing control on a curve can have catastrophic consequences, as seen in this incident.
Did the Truck Driver Fail to Adjust Speed for the Curve?
Curves on highways are designed with specific speed limits for safe navigation, especially for large trucks with heavy loads. Investigators should examine whether the truck driver was traveling too fast to make the turn safely. If the semi was exceeding the recommended speed for the curve, it could explain why the truck continued straight instead of following the road’s path.
Was the Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
Inattention is listed as a potential factor in the crash, which raises the question of whether the truck driver was distracted. Investigators should look into whether the driver was using a phone, adjusting equipment, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road. Additionally, fatigue is a known issue in long-haul trucking, and driver logs should be reviewed to determine if hours-of-service regulations were followed.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
To get a clearer picture of what led to the crash, investigators should analyze Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the semi-truck to determine speed, braking, and steering inputs before the collision. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, dashcam recordings, and witness statements could also provide key details. Checking the truck’s maintenance records could help determine if mechanical issues, such as brake failure, played a role.
Why It’s Important to Ask These Questions
Understanding why this crash happened is crucial for providing answers to those affected by it. In my experience, these investigations often reveal details that aren’t immediately apparent but are critical for getting the full picture of what happened. This is especially important when the crash results in severe injuries or fatalities.