A crash on I-75 Tuesday night left a 41-year-old man dead after his motorcycle was allegedly struck by a semi-truck. Michigan State Police reported that the crash happened around 10:30 p.m. near Dearborn Street. After colliding with the semi, the motorcyclist was struck by several other vehicles and pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later confirmed that a semi-truck driver allegedly contacted dispatch and said he had hit something on the road and left the area because he was nervous. He reportedly drove to Warren before contacting authorities.
When I look at reports like this, my first thought is that investigators need to nail down exactly what happened in the moments leading up to impact. That means examining both the driver’s condition and the truck’s performance to understand why the motorcycle was struck.
Could Driver Fatigue or Distraction Be Involved?
Given that this collision happened late at night, investigators may look into whether the truck driver was alert at the time. Long hours on the road increase the risk of fatigue, and fatigue-related impairment can be dangerous. Investigators will likely check hours-of-service records and electronic logging data to see how long the driver had been on duty. They may also review phone records or in-cab cameras to determine if distraction contributed to the initial strike.
Mechanical Issues That Should Be Examined
It is also possible that a mechanical problem reduced the truck driver’s ability to avoid the collision. Brake system performance, tire condition, and steering components should all be inspected. A failure in any of these areas could explain why the truck did not stop or swerve in time. Maintenance records and inspection reports will help establish whether the truck was safe to be on the road.
What Evidence Will Be Key?
The semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) could provide a clear timeline of speed, braking, and throttle inputs leading up to the crash. Investigators will also look closely at skid marks, debris, and impact points on the roadway to reconstruct what happened. Video from nearby traffic cameras or dashcams may help show whether the semi moved erratically or if the motorcyclist was already in a vulnerable position before impact.
Why a Careful Investigation Is Needed
This was a fatal crash with serious unanswered questions about what happened and why. By reviewing driver condition, vehicle performance, and scene evidence, investigators can determine whether fatigue, distraction, or a mechanical defect played a role. Those findings are critical for accountability and for providing answers to those affected.