A 50-year-old Grand Ronde man, Joseph Nicholas Grammer, lost his life in a crash involving a semi-truck on the evening of June 15. According to Oregon State Police, the collision occurred just after 7:00 p.m. on Highway 18 near Grand Ronde. Authorities say an eastbound Freightliner semi, operated by a 19-year-old driver from Salem, reportedly attempted to turn left into a gravel lot and crossed into the path of Grammer’s westbound Kawasaki ZX-18 motorcycle. The resulting collision killed the motorcyclist. The semi-truck driver was uninjured.
Whenever a semi-truck makes a turn across oncoming traffic, it's essential to understand whether that maneuver was executed safely and lawfully.
Was the Left Turn Safe and Lawful for the Conditions?
Given the semi-truck crossed into the path of oncoming traffic, one question that needs answering is whether the left turn was made with sufficient time and visibility. Commercial drivers are expected to judge traffic gaps carefully and yield to oncoming vehicles. Investigators will likely consider the truck’s speed and turn angle to determine whether the truck driver could reasonably have made the turn safely.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Collected?
To reconstruct what happened, investigators should analyze data from the semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), which could show whether the truck slowed or stopped before initiating the turn. Roadway markings, debris patterns, and damage profiles can help establish the sequence of events. Dashcams, surveillance footage, and witness statements may also provide crucial insight into how the turn was made and whether the motorcyclist had any chance to avoid the crash.
Why a Complete Investigation Is Necessary
In fatal crashes involving commercial trucks, every detail matters. A thorough investigation not only helps determine if the truck driver followed proper safety procedures, but also provides answers for those affected. Understanding whether this loss could have been prevented is key to assigning accountability where necessary.