On Saturday, July 12, 2025, a multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck at the intersection of Highway 167 North and Grant 58 claimed the life of 61-year-old Margaret Cobb of Sheridan. Authorities say Cobb was stopped at an intersection in her 2024 GMC Terrain on northbound Highway 167 when she was allegedly rear-ended by a 2004 Peterbilt 378. The impact pushed her SUV into a Ford F-250 that reportedly had a broken tow strap and was attempting to attach a disabled Chevy Silverado. Cobb died at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
When a semi-truck strikes a stopped vehicle from behind, it raises serious questions about how closely the truck was following and whether the driver had enough time to react. That’s especially critical near intersections.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Played a Role?
One key question is whether the driver of the Peterbilt was distracted or fatigued at the time of the collision. Rear-end crashes often involve delayed reaction times, which can result from cell phone use, drowsiness, or other inattentiveness. Investigators may examine the driver’s logs, phone records, and dash camera footage to determine if they were alert and watching the road ahead.
Was the Semi-Truck Properly Maintained?
Another factor that may need scrutiny is the mechanical condition of the Peterbilt. Investigators should review the truck’s brake system, tires, and engine control module (ECM) to determine whether equipment failure contributed to the crash or impaired the driver’s ability to stop in time. A fully loaded semi requires significantly more distance to stop than a passenger vehicle, especially if the brakes aren’t performing at full capacity.
Important Evidence That Should Be Reviewed
A thorough investigation will likely include ECM data from the Peterbilt to show speed, braking behavior, and throttle input before impact. Eyewitness statements and traffic camera footage, if available, could also help reconstruct the sequence of events. Given the chain reaction nature of this crash, evidence from all four vehicles involved should be analyzed to establish how the scene unfolded.
Why Every Detail Deserves Careful Examination
In my experience, crashes involving multiple vehicles and commercial trucks require particularly close analysis. When a life is lost, it’s not enough to assume what happened based on initial impressions. Only a detailed review of all contributing factors can offer answers about what went wrong and why.