A crash east of Arlington on Interstate 80 left one person dead and two others injured Thursday morning. According to officials, a Volvo combination unit allegedly struck a parked Freightliner in the emergency lane, causing the Freightliner to roll onto its side. The Volvo reportedly continued off the roadway and caught fire. Both semi drivers were injured, and a passenger in one of the trucks, 55-year-old Ralph Pimentel III, was killed.
Crashes involving multiple semi-trucks raise important questions about driver attention and safety practices. In this case, one of the trucks was parked in the emergency lane, which investigators will need to examine carefully as they sort out the cause.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Played a Role?
When a moving semi-truck collides with a parked vehicle on the shoulder, investigators often consider whether the driver was distracted or fatigued. Early reports already note driver inattention as a possible factor here. Reviewing the driver’s logbooks and hours-of-service compliance will help determine if fatigue was a concern. Cell phone records and witness statements could also confirm whether distraction was involved.
Were Mechanical Issues a Contributing Factor?
Investigators may also need to examine whether any mechanical problems played a role. A sudden brake failure, steering issue, or tire problem could prevent a driver from avoiding a crash. Inspecting both trucks’ braking systems, tires, and maintenance histories will be an important part of ruling out mechanical failure as a factor.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
Engine Control Module (ECM) data from both semis can provide second-by-second details about speed, braking, and throttle use. The parked Freightliner’s hazard lights and reflective equipment will need to be checked to confirm whether it was visible to approaching traffic. Scene evidence, such as skid marks and impact points, along with witness testimony, will also help clarify how and why the crash occurred.
Why This Investigation Is Critical
A fatality, multiple injuries, and a fire make this a high-stakes investigation. Determining whether inattention, fatigue, or equipment problems played a role is essential for providing answers to those impacted and for ensuring accountability in such a serious crash.