A three-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning sent one driver to the hospital and closed all lanes of I-57 near Paxton. According to Illinois State Police, the incident happened just after 4 a.m. near milepost 261. Investigators say a semi-truck left the roadway, struck a guardrail, and overturned, blocking the right lane. The impact tore up approximately 60 feet of guardrail. A passenger car and another semi-truck later collided with the dislodged guardrail. The driver of the second semi-truck was transported to the hospital, while no other injuries were reported. The crash remains under investigation.
When a commercial truck leaves the roadway and overturns, there are always important questions to answer. Investigators will need to determine whether the driver’s actions, the truck’s condition, or a combination of both led to this loss of control.
Was the First Semi Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
When a semi veers off the roadway in the pre-dawn hours, investigators often look at whether the driver may have been drowsy, distracted, or both. Reviewing the driver’s hours-of-service logs, rest breaks, and in-cab camera footage can help confirm whether fatigue was at play. Cell phone records could reveal whether any calls, texts, or app usage coincided with the crash. Witness statements and traffic camera video may show whether the truck’s movement was gradual or abrupt, which can be a key indicator of the cause.
Could a Mechanical Problem Have Forced the Truck Off the Road?
Steering failures, brake malfunctions, or a sudden tire issue can cause a driver to lose control without warning. A post-crash inspection should focus on the truck’s steering, braking, and suspension systems. Retrieving Engine Control Module (ECM) data could show speed, braking, and throttle inputs before the crash, and reviewing maintenance records may help determine whether any mechanical problems were known but unaddressed.
Evidence That May Help Determine the Cause
To build a full picture of what happened, investigators should review ECM data for speed, braking, and throttle inputs in the moments before the crash. Physical scene evidence such as tire marks, gouges, and the guardrail damage pattern can help reconstruct the truck’s path. If any dashcam or traffic camera footage is available, it may confirm whether the driver made any evasive maneuvers or if the loss of control was instantaneous.
Why Following Every Lead Is Critical
With multiple commercial vehicles involved and one driver hospitalized, it’s crucial to understand exactly what caused the first semi to go off the road. A complete investigation into driver condition, vehicle integrity, and other factors will help ensure the facts are established and accountability is properly determined.