A 78-year-old woman lost her life Friday morning after being struck by a flatbed truck on North Common Street in Lynn. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity, and it is unclear whether the truck driver will face any charges. Investigators from the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, along with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section, are examining the crash.
Whenever I hear about a pedestrian being struck by a commercial vehicle, I can’t help but wonder whether the driver was paying full attention or if there were visibility issues that played a role.
Was the Truck Driver Paying Attention?
One of the key questions in cases like this is whether the driver of the flatbed truck was fully aware of their surroundings. Large commercial vehicles have significant blind spots, and it’s crucial for drivers to scan for pedestrians before making turns or crossing intersections. Investigators will likely examine whether the driver was distracted at the time of impact, such as using a phone, adjusting controls, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road. They may also investigate whether fatigue was a factor.
Examining Visibility and Vehicle Factors
Another important consideration is whether the truck’s visibility equipment was functioning properly. Did the truck have adequate mirrors and lighting? Was the driver using headlights and signals appropriately, especially given that the crash happened early in the morning? Investigators will need to examine the truck to see if these features were functioning properly.
The Need for a Thorough Investigation
Understanding exactly what happened can be crucial for those affected by an accident. Investigators will likely review surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence from the scene to determine whether the truck driver’s actions—or potential mechanical failures—played a role in this fatal collision. In my experience, pedestrian crashes involving commercial vehicles often reveal overlooked safety concerns that aren’t apparent in the immediate aftermath.