A fatal crash involving a tow truck and a bicyclist claimed the life of a woman Thursday morning in Jacksonville’s Lakeshore area.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the crash occurred around 10:35 a.m. when a tow truck traveling south on Blanding Boulevard attempted to turn west onto San Juan Avenue. As the truck made its turn, it allegedly struck a bicyclist traveling alongside it. The woman, described as being in her mid-30s, died from her injuries at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
Whenever I hear about a fatal crash between a large commercial vehicle and a bicyclist, I think about how vital it is for commercial drivers to remain highly alert when making turns. In my experience, crashes like this often raise critical questions about driver attention, blind spots, and whether proper safety procedures were followed before initiating the turn.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Contributed to the Tow Truck Driver Failing to See the Bicyclist?
Turning crashes between commercial vehicles and bicyclists are often preventable. One of the first questions investigators should ask is whether the driver of the tow truck saw the bicyclist at all before the collision. Distraction inside the cab or fatigue from long hours on the road can cause commercial drivers to overlook bicyclists traveling near them, especially in urban areas where cyclists may be riding close to traffic.
Investigators should review the tow truck driver’s work records, hours of service, and any available dash cam or in-cab footage to determine whether distraction or fatigue played a role in this crash.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To fully understand how this fatal crash happened, investigators should collect dash cam or surveillance footage that shows the moments leading up to the turn. Physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle position, tire marks, and witness statements, will help determine the position of the vehicle at the time of impact. In addition, the truck’s blind spot configuration and any mechanical inspection reports should be reviewed.
Why Careful Investigation Is Critical in Bicycle and Commercial Vehicle Crashes
From my experience, crashes between commercial vehicles and bicyclists are rarely unavoidable. They often result from a combination of driver inattention or issues with vehicle visibility systems. Whether this fatal crash was caused by distraction, driver error, or issues with the truck itself, a thorough investigation is critical to figure out exactly what happened and why.