A woman was killed in Philadelphia on March 18 when the driver of a U-Haul truck lost control and ran over her on the sidewalk. According to authorities, the incident began as a minor crash between the U-Haul and a Ford Flex at the intersection of Kensington and Allegheny avenues. After briefly speaking with the other driver, the U-Haul driver fled the scene, turning onto East Cambria Street, where the truck jumped the curb, struck the woman, and then crashed into a house. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended. They are currently facing multiple charges including homicide by vehicle, DUI, involuntary manslaughter, driving without a license, and related counts. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Whenever I hear about a crash involving a rental truck, I think about whether the person behind the wheel should have had access to the vehicle in the first place. Unlike commercial trucking companies, rental truck businesses do not always have strict verification processes to ensure drivers are legally qualified to operate their vehicles.
Why Was the Driver Allowed to Use the U-Haul?
One of the most pressing questions in this case is how the driver was able to use a U-Haul truck despite allegedly not having a valid license. Rental companies typically require customers to present a valid driver's license when picking up a vehicle, but in practice, oversight can vary. Did the driver rent the truck themselves, or did someone else obtain it on their behalf? Investigators should look into whether proper rental procedures were followed and whether negligence played a role in allowing an unlicensed driver onto the road.
The Importance of a Full Investigation
Rental truck companies have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are used safely. If this driver was able to rent a U-Haul without a valid license, it raises serious concerns about the safeguards in place to prevent unqualified individuals from getting behind the wheel. A full investigation is needed to determine what went wrong and provide answers to those affected by this crash.