Authorities reported that one person was killed and two others were injured Saturday night in a crash involving a semi-truck and a Ford Bronco on State Route 172 near Zepernick Lake in Columbiana County. According to officials, the crash occurred just before 8:00 p.m. when the semi-truck allegedly veered off the roadway, overcorrected, and crossed the center line, colliding with the Bronco traveling in the opposite direction. Both vehicles rolled over after impact. The driver of the Bronco was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Bronco’s passenger and the semi-truck driver were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
Crashes where a semi-truck allegedly departs its lane and overcorrects often point to potential issues with control, driver alertness, or load stability. Understanding why the truck left the roadway in the first place will be central to determining how this crash occurred.
What Investigators Will Likely Examine
Investigators will likely focus on whether distraction, fatigue, or improper steering contributed to the truck’s initial departure from the roadway. Overcorrection is a common factor in loss-of-control crashes and can occur when a driver reacts too sharply to a minor drift or hazard. Reviewing the truck driver’s hours-of-service records, dispatch logs, and electronic logging device (ELD) data will help determine whether fatigue or inattention played a role.
Authorities will also consider whether the truck’s movement was influenced by an internal factor, such as a shifting load or a mechanical issue. A sudden imbalance in cargo weight can make a large vehicle more difficult to control, especially when traveling at highway speeds.
Assessing the Semi-Truck’s Condition
Investigators are expected to review the truck’s steering, braking, and suspension systems to identify any defects or maintenance issues. A malfunction in these systems can cause a driver to lose control or make recovery attempts less effective after leaving the roadway. Maintenance records and inspection logs will be key to confirming whether the truck was in safe operating condition before the crash occurred.
Important Evidence That Can Provide Answers
The semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) will contain valuable data such as speed, throttle position, and steering activity in the seconds before and after the crash. This information, combined with evidence from the scene like tire marks, debris, and final vehicle positions, will help investigators reconstruct the sequence of events. Witness accounts and any available dashcam footage could further clarify how the truck lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic.
Why a Comprehensive Investigation Is Necessary
When a crash involves a semi-truck crossing the center line, determining why the vehicle lost control is essential. Factors such as fatigue, mechanical failure, or improper recovery maneuvers can all contribute to a serious crash. A complete and careful investigation will help uncover what caused the loss of control and provide answers to those affected.