Mower on I95 hit by a tractor-trailer

[Bird]

Yep, Dan, that's the way it appears from what we've read and is quite likely the way it is, but of course I learned years ago to not take news media stories at face value. They're in too big a hurry to worry about details and I guess most of the time they're right, or close to right, but not always by a long shot. Right now . . . without further information, it would appear that a truck driver is in big trouble . . . and should be. But I'd sure like to see the results of the final investigation.

 

[hilld]

Wonder if the driver was texting or on the phone at the time of the accident. Unfortunately, this happens more and more, distracted driving. Here in the PNW, it is against the law to hold a phone while driving, but banning the practice has NOT changed the behavior a bit. Maybe penalties like DUI will finally make people stop.

 

[Bird]

Wonder if the driver was texting or on the phone

You can't drive on I-35E north of Dallas (or hardly anywhere else in this area) without seeing drivers on the phone and driving just as if they were drunk.

 

[gilbertmsg]

Vehicles also have mechanical failures. I don't like making a decision until all the facts are gathered. I wish the family of the deceased the very best.

Eddie

 

[firefighter9208]

I had a friend killed in an accident. He was in a small car and hit head on by a full size dually one ton. The driver of the truck (older gentleman) was injured and transported. When they got him to the ER they determined that he had had a stroke before the accident. No charges were filed. That's why they have an investigation.

Chris

 

[NorTracNY]

Wow, I thought only young emotional people made quick judgments. I'm only in my 30s and have learned not to pass judgement so quickly, especially with the limited facts. Stroke, heart attack, seizure, mechanical malfunction, trying to avoid killing group of kids playing on the highway.... Please. I'm just glad someone here hasn't brought up a lawsuit yet! SAD!

I do pray for all the familys of this tragety. I know it's got to be tough for all of them. Can you imagine being in a tractor trailer and for some reason being helpless to stop the vehicle from doing that damage??? Can you imagine sitting in the warning vehicle and getting hit? Then realizing that what has happened to you is nothing compared to what you see looking at the tractor your family member was in???

I'm aware of an accident in which a driver hit a kid on a bike that mysteriously swerve just in front of him. He had no way to avoid hitting and killing the kid. The emergency personal had to pry his frozen hands from the steering wheel and he had vomitted all over. Accidents can be horrible. There is also a reason why they initially will call them accidents.

 

[dmccarty]

Yep, Dan, that's the way it appears from what we've read and is quite likely the way it is, but of course I learned years ago to not take news media stories at face value. They're in too big a hurry to worry about details and I guess most of the time they're right, or close to right, but not always by a long shot. Right now . . . without further information, it would appear that a truck driver is in big trouble . . . and should be. But I'd sure like to see the results of the final investigation.

Agreed. Usually the first story the press publishes has missing or wrong info.

The way NC law is written if the truck driver violated a traffic statute AND kills someone he can/should/will? be charged Misdemeanor Death by Vehicle. Many/Most of the fatal traffic accidents in my area end up with Misdemeanor Death by Vehicle charges being filed.

So far I have not seen anything new on the story. And I have been watching. The other local news stories were also similar to the link I provided. Well, some were better than others. The story I heard on the radio made it sound like the son that was injured was IN the tractor that was hit. Which was not the case.

Given how slow the tractor was moving and how fast the truck was going, I am pretty sure that section of I95 is 65 or 70 mph, the truck driver only had to be distracted for a second or two for the accident to happen.

Stinks not mater the reason.

Later,
Dan

 

[RoyJackson]

Wow, I thought only young emotional people made quick judgments.

Nope...not the case at all (since I reckon you were refering to me). I just have a hard time believing a truck driver can hit two marked vehicles (marked meaning the flasher arrow type lamps) before a third vehicle (the tractor) without taking evasive action to miss that second or third vehicle.
However, let's see how it plays out...

 

[Duffster]

I just have a hard time believing a truck driver can hit two marked vehicles (marked meaning the flasher arrow type lamps) before a third vehicle (the tractor) without taking evasive action to miss that second or third vehicle.

Which makes me think it is more than just simple inattentive driving.

 

[Mace Canute]

This accident really empathizes the danger that anyone working alongside a roadway has to deal with. It doesn't matter how safe you are doing the work, you are still at risk from the other party. Motorists here in Saskatchewan are required by law to slow to 60 km/h when passing vehicles with warning beacons flashing such as police, towtrucks, fire trucks, ambulances, snowplows, and highway workers whether they are stopped on the side of the road or moving along it. I'm not sure about mowers though but I don't recall ever seeing anyone slow for them. I don't because I don't like to be in a zone that I could get hit by a projectile from their blades any longer than I can help it and mowers are usually farther from my vehicle than any of the units mentioned above. I seriously doubt slowing traffic on a multi lane freeway would make it any safer for people mowing, possibly it would make it much more hazardous. Being highly visible is probably the best bet. It will be interesting to see the final result of the investigation into this accident. I'm in the camp that suspects driver error rather than a physical or mechanical cause but, you never know until all the facts are in. I think it would be easier for the people who lost their loved one/friend to accept if it were caused by a physical or mechanical failure rather then driver error.