Big Rig Strikes and Kills Pedestrian in Riverbank, California
December 30, 2009
An 18-wheeler tractor trailer struck a woman as she wheeled her bicycle through a pedestrian crosswalk at Atchison Street in Riverbank, California on Wednesday morning. The big rig was making a right hand turn and failed to see the woman. The truck then struck her and dragged her about 100 yards before she was run over by the wheels of the semi. The driver of the big rig remained unaware and it was not until Caltrans workers saw the mangled bike under the big rig that the truck was waved down and stopped.
Three-Year Old Boy Killed in Semi Crash, Family Seriously Injured
December 28, 2009
A three-year old boy was killed on Monday after a tractor trailer rear-ended his family’s Toyota van on Interstate 95 in McIntosh County, Georgia. The boy’s parents and two siblings were seriously injured in the crash, which occurred as the family headed to Florida for their vacation. According to Georgia State Patrol, heavy traffic slowed the van to about five mph when the semi plowed into them. Witnesses said the truck was traveling about 70 mph and seemed to never hit the brakes before hitting the Family van. The driver of the truck could face criminal charges, a state patrol officer said.
Trucker Convicted In New Mexico Crash that Killed Three
December 18, 2009
A New Mexico jury has convicted Eli German Flores, a San Diego truck driver, of three counts of vehicular homicide. Flores now faces up to 21 years in prison for the October, 2008 multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 that killed three people. According to investigators, the tractor trailer driven by Flores was traveling over 70 mph while approaching a construction zone just before the crash occurred.
Man Suffers Major Injuries in Highway 101 Tractor Trailer Crash
December, 16 2009
A 31-year old man was seriously injured on Wednesday morning when a big rig collided with his vehicle in Northern San Luis Obispo County, California. According to the CHP, a big rig was traveling onto Highway 101, north of Paso Robles, when it struck a vehicle driven by Thomas Thein. Thein was critically injured during the collision and taken to the hospital. The southbound lanes of Highway 101 remained closed for a couple of hours while officials investigated the accident.
New Father Killed In Tractor Trailer Crash
December 14, 2009
A tractor trailer jackknifed and collided with a passenger vehicle on Monday, killing 37-year old Mark Wagner. Deputies said that the big rig was traveling on Highway 92 in Saunders County, Nebraska when it lost control and struck Wagner’s car at about 6 p.m. Icy roads contributed to the fatal accident, investigators said. According to officials, Wagner was the father of a new born baby.
Truck Rolls Over Vehicle Critically Injuring Woman
December 13, 2009
A woman was critically injured on Sunday morning when an ice cream delivery truck rolled onto her car in Westwood, Massachusetts. According to officials, at about 8:30 a.m., the Gifford’s Ice Cream delivery truck hit a commuter train overpass and rolled onto the woman’s passenger vehicle. The truck driver was not injured.
Motorist Seriously Injured after Being Struck Head-on by Big Rig
December 10, 2009
A man was seriously injured after his pickup truck was struck head-on by a big rig on Thursday. The crash occurred on Highway 12, west of Tower Park, in California. According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of a Cherokee Freight Line big rig slammed on his brakes in an attempt to avoid traffic that had slowed. As a result, the semi jackknifed and collided head-on with the Nissan pickup truck. A medical helicopter took the driver of the Nissan to the hospital where he was treated for major injuries. The driver of the big rig only suffered minor injuries. Although the crash is under investigation, officials have said the driver of the big rig was driving at unsafe speeds when the accident occurred.
Man Killed after Pick-up Truck and Semi Collide and Crash into Home
December 7, 2009
A man died on Monday after a tractor trailer ran a stop sign and hit his pickup truck in Marion County, Oregon. The two vehicles then skidded along the road and went over a tree before plowing into a home. The driver of the pick-up truck was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The driver of the big rig escaped with minor scrapes and bruises. The house was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
One Killed and Three Others Seriously Injured in Crash Involving Waste Collection Truck
November 27, 2009
One person was killed and three others injured when a Charlotte City yard waste collection truck struck a 4-door sedan on Friday afternoon in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to reports, a Solid Waste Services truck driver lost control while making a right turn and crashed into a sedan carrying four people. According to witnesses the truck landed on top of the passenger car, making it difficult for the emergency crew to rescue the people inside. The driver of the car died at the scene and the three passengers received life threatening injuries. The driver of the waste truck escaped with minor injuries.
Semi Collides with Military Bus, Seriously Injuring Bus Driver
November 17, 2009
An 18-wheeler tractor trailer collided with a military bus on Highway 54 in El Paso, Texas, on Tuesday morning, seriously injuring the driver of the bus. Two soldiers were also injured in the wreck. According witnesses, the big rig struck the bus after pulling into the same lane. The bus then spun out of control, ejecting the bus driver, and crashed.
Flatbed Truck Loses Control, Kills Veteran Sheriff’s Deputy
November 13, 2009
A veteran Indiana County sheriff was killed after his squad car was struck by an oncoming GMC flatbed truck on Indiana State Road 14. Sgt. Jeffery Shaw, a Kosciusko County sheriff’s deputy, was on a routine patrol when the driver of the GMC big rig lost control, crossed the center line and struck Shaw’s vehicle on the driver’s side door. Both vehicles caught fire after the impact. Shaw was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The driver of the truck escaped with minor injuries.
Boston Motorist Killed After Big Rig Runs Stop Sign
November 11, 2009
A man was instantly killed when a tractor trailer drove through a stop sign and collided with his pickup truck on Tuesday evening. The driver of the semi, Daniel Taft, failed to stop at a stop sign in Concord, Boston, moments before crashing into the other vehicle. Boston state police are investigating the accident. No drugs or alcohol appear to have played a role in the fatal collision, officials said.
Two Putting in Guardrail Killed in East Tenn.
November 9, 2009
Two highway workers who were tightening cable on a traffic barrier along Interstate 75 north of Knoxville, Tennessee, were killed when a commercial truck pulling a 20-foot flatbed trailer, veered off the highway. One northbound lane and both southbound lanes of I-75 were closed while state troopers investigated the cause of the crash. The driver of the truck was treated for minor injuries.
Two Injured in Accident on U.S. 75
November 6, 2009
A northbound traffic control truck was rear-ended by a Kenworthy truck on Highway 75 near Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The Kenworthy came to rest in the median. The construction vehicle travelled across both southbound lanes and stopped just off the highway. One highway worker was injured. The Kenworthy’s driver was transported to Tulsa’s St. Francis Hospital via Life Flight. His condition is listed as serious but stable.
Coroner Identifies Man Killed on Eastbound 210 in Irwindale
November 6, 2009
A 34-year-old man was killed by a big-rig on the 210 in Irwindale, CA. Lavonte Ford had pulled off to the shoulder after his vehicle broke down and was attempting to exit his car when he was struck. The truck driver stopped and called 911; but Los Angeles County firefighters pronounced Ford dead at the scene. An investigation into the cause of the truck accident is in progress.
Taxi Driver Critical after Horseheads Crash
September 11, 2009
The driver of a taxi minivan is in critical condition following a crash in Horseheads, NY. The minivan was in an intersection when it was struck by a dump truck. The dump truck’s driver sustained no injuries. A passenger in the taxi was treated for minor injuries and released from St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Woman Killed in Freak Accident
September 10, 2009
One woman was killed and one man seriously injured when a set of wheels flew off a passing trailer truck. The wheels crossed over to the median and struck a Nebraska Department of Roads pickup truck. 53-year old Robyn Pittman of North Platte, Nebraska was standing beside the parked pickup and was killed by the impact. The driver of the trailer truck, unaware that the wheels had come off his vehicle, was stopped, ordered off the road and cited for 16 violations.
Police ID Victim In Fatal Route 837 In Union Township
September 9, 2009
A 48-year old man was ejected from his pickup truck and killed when a box truck crashed into his vehicle in Union Township, Pennsylvania. The box truck crossed into the northbound lane, colliding with two pickup trucks. A section of Route 837 was closed while cleanup crews removed the wreckage and fuel from the highway.
Crash Slow Traffic on I-75 Near Union Centre
September 8, 2009
Several people were injured in a tractor-trailer accident on the I-75. The truck crossed the median, causing accidents in both the north and southbound lanes before coming to rest on the northbound side, perpendicular to the highway. The extent of the injuries have not yet been released.
Crash Victim Falls from Interstate Bridge
September 6, 2009
Four 18 wheelers and five passenger vehicles were involved in a crash on an I-20 bridge in Alabama. The accident began as a one vehicle wreck. The occupants were not injured, but several other vehicles had stopped on the roadway. An 18 wheeler came down the hill very quickly and was unable to stop, striking the stopped vehicles and injuring several individuals. One victim was startled and fell off the bridge approximately 45 feet, sustaining lower extremity fractures. He was assessed and treated before transport to UAB’s trauma unit.
York Haven Woman Dies in Crash at Exit 28 of Interstate 83
September 2, 2009
An 82-year old woman was killed Wednesday afternoon in a tractor trailer crash on Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Trail at Exit 28. Her car collided with the big rig which had crossed her line of travel. Northern York Regional Police are looking for anyone with information regarding the truck accident.
Four-vehicle Crash near Truckee kills 1, Sends 2 More to Hospital
September 1, 2009
California Highway Patrol is currently investigating the cause of a four car accident on State Route 89 near Truckee Tuesday morning. A three-axel truck traveling south crossed the double yellow line and crashed into a northbound four-door Chevrolet, killing the driver. A Volvo driving behind the Chevrolet swerved to avoid the primary collision, but crossed into the opposite lane, hitting a pickup truck. The driver of the three-axel sustained major injuries and was air-lifted to Renown Medical Center in Reno. The driver of the Volvo was also hospitalized.
Police: Out-Of-Control Driver Kills Man Fixing Van
August 31, 2009
The driver of a van who was looking under the hood following engine failure, was fatally injured when a white box-styled truck veered off the SR-58 roadway near Bakersfield, CA and struck the disabled vehicle parked on the shoulder. The truck fled the scene of the accident and has not yet been located.
Search Warrant Secured in Probe of Fatal I-81 Crash in Cumberland County
August 31, 2009
Pennsylvania state police have secured a search warrant to determine whether to bring criminal charges against the driver of a tractor trailer involved in the August 28 fatal collision on I-81 near Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The accident occurred when the northbound big rig crossed the median and crashed into an oncoming pickup truck and a minivan. The search warrant will allow officers to obtain download speed and braking information from the vehicle’s engine control module.
Big Rig Loses Brakes, Slams Into Cars, Kills 1
August 24, 2009
One woman was killed and three others injured Sunday, August 23, when a big rig travelling on the northbound lane of California’s I-5 Grapevine lost its brakes and slammed into dozens of cars. The truck was unable to exit onto the escape ramp. One car was completely destroyed; its driver, a 67-year old woman, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident.
Trucker Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter
August 21, 2009
On August 20, 2009 the driver of a Peterbuilt semi was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Virginia’s Stafford Circuit Court. A 57-year old woman was killed on February 2, 2009 when the 18-wheeler carrying 83,000 pounds of sand with no working front brakes ran a red light and crashed into her car. Evidence revealed that the driver knew his brakes were not properly fuctioning at the time of the accident. The driver is facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
One Dead, One Arrested in Motorcycle / Semi Accident on U.S. 75 in Sherman
August 20, 2009
A 22-year old motorcyclist was declared dead at the scene after a semi truck made an unsafe lane change on the northbound I-75 near Sherman, TX. The motorcyclist was forced into the guardrail and then ejected from the bike. The driver of the semi was arrested and faces charges of negligent homicide.
Semi Backs into Highway Worker on Interstate 35
August 17, 2009
A 34-year old construction worker was airlifted to OU Medical Center in Okalhoma City after a Peterbuilt semi backed into him in a construction zone near the 49 mile marker. The construction worker suffered chest injuries and was admitted in serious condition. The cause of the accident has been listed as improper backing.
Semi Driver Arrested in Deadly Williams Co. Crash
August 17, 2009
The driver of a semi is facing vehicular manslaughter charges after leaving the scene of a fatal accident on the Ohio Turnpike in Williams County. The semi rear ended a Ford Focus which flipped over into a ditch. A 20-year old passenger was thrown from the car and killed. Five other passengers were injured. According to police, the driver initially stopped at the scene, but then drove off. State troopers stopped the truck 13 miles east of the accident.
I-80 Collision in South-Central Nebraska Kills Two
August 14, 2009
A semi travelling in the westbound lane of Interstate 80 near Kearney, Nebraska went out of control, crossed the median and struck a vehicle in the eastbound lane. The truck driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Both the driver and the passenger in the car were pronounced dead at the scene. Nebraska State Patrol is trying to determine why the truck went out of control.
Chain-Reaction Crash on I-96 Snarls Traffic
August 12, 2009
Two people were taken to the hospital after a tractor trailer rear ended a passenger vehicle in the westbound lane of Interstate 96 in Clinton County, Michigan, causing a five vehicle pileup which involved three other passenger vehicles and another tractor trailer. Traffic was diverted from the interstate and delayed for three hours while emergency crews removed the damaged vehicles from the scene. Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the crash.
Fifteen People Injured After Bus is Struck by Tractor-Trailer
July 13, 2009
Fifteen people were injured when a charter bus collided with a tractor-trailer in a highway west of Manhattan, Arkansas on Monday, July 13, 2009. The bus, carrying students in a job training program, overturned and burst into flames after being struck by a truck carrying construction materials. Aboard the bus were students from the Flint Hills Job Corps Center in Manhattan which were returning home from a trip to Kansas City. The bus had made a legal U-turn right before it was struck, the Kansas Highway Patrol said.
Petition by Truck Safety Advocacy Group Urges Congress to Maintain Current Truck Size and Weight Limits
May 1, 2009
The Truck Safety Coalition is asking the public to sign a petition to the U.S. Congress regarding a multi billion dollar surface transportation bill that will be considered this year. According to the petition, trucking interests are lobbying Congress to increase truck size by an additional 17,000 lbs, which will result in more dangers to motorists and truck drivers, as well as more damage to our roads, bridges, environment and our overall health. The petition strongly urges Congress to keep the current federal truck size and weight limits. It also asks Congress to support the Safe Highways and Infrastructure Protection Act (SHIPA), which will help to protect lives as well as infrastructure. The Truck Safety Coalition is a national truck safety advocacy group “dedicated solely to improving public policy on all aspects of motor carrier safety issues — the vehicle, the driver, and the roadway environment.” To read and sign the petition click here :
http://www.stopbiggertrucks.org/action/petition.php.
CHP Launches Public Awareness of Commercial Trucks Safety Program
April 22, 2009
At a press conference held on April 22, 2009, in Irvine, California, the California Highway Patrol launched its Public Awareness of Commercial Trucks (PACT) program, which will educate drivers on avoiding crashes with big rigs. According to the CHP, more than 75 percent of truck-related fatalities are caused by passenger vehicle drivers. The CHP joins with the California Truckers Association in the education effort, which will provide seminars on vehicle safety around commercial trucks.
Tens of Thousands of Medically Unfit Truck Drivers on Road
March 30, 2009
Despite medical conditions that would ban them from the road, tens of thousands of big-rig operators continue to drive trucks across the country, endangering lives. According to investigations by E.W. Scripps television stations, not until 2012 will there be a national database of medical certification and verification of medically unfit commercial drivers. Even then, say officials, it would be difficult to identify if drivers have had legitimate medical examinations or if they were honest about their medical history at their examinations.
According to researchers, among the most common conditions truckers’ suffer are heart disease, serious neurological problems and sleep disorders. From April 2001 through December 2003, truck drivers’ heart attacks or other physical impairments caused over 4,000 serious truck crashes. Another 5,000 crashes were caused when a big-rig driver nodded off behind the wheel. Currently, the system in place to correct this problem is seriously flawed, allowing medically unfit big-rig drivers to slip through the cracks, and continue driving on our nation’s roads.
$7 Million Awarded to Traumatic Brain Injury Victim in 2004 Big Rig Crash
March 20, 2009
According to the Associated Press, a state appellate court awarded more than $7 million to a former Baton Rouge resident who was severely injured in a 2000 collision with an 18-wheeler on Interstate 12 in Livingston Parish. On March 20, Brian Shane Brewer, who suffered serious brain injury and other injuries during the crash, was found 40 percent at fault for the accident while J.B Hunt Transportation Inc., and Robert Jackson, the driver of the big rig, were found 60 percent liable. A three judge panel awarded Brewer more than $13 million and then reduced the award by 40 percent, the amount Brewer was at fault for the crash.
