According to police, a man pushing a stroller and walking with a 4-year-old child was struck by a semi-truck while crossing the intersection of Mildred Street and Green Street in Brewton in a designated crosswalk. The crash happened at about 4:18 p.m. as the semi, pulling an unloaded log trailer, was making a left turn onto Mildred Street. All three pedestrians—the man and two children, ages 2 and 4—were injured in the collision. The children were hospitalized and are currently in stable condition.
Whenever a semi-truck is involved in a collision with pedestrians, there are serious questions that need to be answered about how the truck was being operated and whether the turn was made with proper caution.
Was the Turn Made Safely?
A key concern in this crash is how the driver executed the left turn. Intersections are one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians, particularly when large commercial vehicles are turning. Semi-truck drivers are trained to make wide turns, but that doesn't eliminate the obligation to check blind spots and ensure the path is clear—especially when pedestrians are in the intersection. Investigators will need to determine whether the truck driver failed to yield.
Could Fatigue or Distraction Be a Factor?
Distraction or fatigue can significantly affect a truck driver's ability to safely navigate intersections. Was the driver talking on the phone or using an electronic device? Had they been driving for too many hours without a break? These are the kinds of questions that often reveal underlying causes in serious pedestrian crashes.
What Types of Evidence Should Be Collected?
To get a complete picture of what happened, investigators should obtain footage from any dash cameras on the truck or nearby surveillance systems. They should also examine the semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) to determine speed, braking activity, and steering inputs during the turn. Driver logbooks, cell phone records, and any statements made at the scene will also be important in determining whether the driver was operating responsibly.
The Importance of Asking These Questions
In crashes like this, it’s easy to focus on the immediate impact, but understanding why the collision happened is just as important. In my experience with truck accidents, I’ve found that deeper investigations often reveal overlooked details—like poor driver training, distraction, or mechanical problems—that are essential for those affected to get answers and for responsible parties to be held accountable.