TRUCK DRIVER DIES WHEN TRACTOR-TRAILER LEAVES THE ROAD AND PLUNGES INTO A CREEK-BED
In the early morning hours of a fall day, exact time unknown
and the length of time driving unknown, a 28-year-old male truck driver was
driving north on an interstate transporting 30,000 lbs. of blue plastic
injection molding pellets.
The semi-truck was a 2007 Volvo. The driver had a
four-year-old son and wife 8 months pregnant with their second child. The
company had 10 tractors and 12 trailers with 7 drivers. The trucking company
was based in a midwest state and transported general freight but not hazardous
materials. The company had been in business since April 10, 2007.
The truck driver exited the highway behind a guardrail and
traveled 1,320 feet, striking a wire fence and several trees before plummeting
into a creek bed, shearing the cab open.
At 10:27 a.m., a citizen called in to the fire department to
report a mysterious blue substance observed in the creek a couple of miles down
from the accident. The fire department arrived on scene, followed the creek and
found the semi in the creek.
The driver was
extricated by mechanical means by the fire department and declared dead at the
scene by the coroner’s office.
To prevent future
occurrences of similar incidents, the following recommendations have been made:
Recommendation No. 1: Semi tractor-trailer drivers should routinely
receive refresher training to recognize signs of fatigue and drowsiness and
when to seek appropriate rest periods.
Recommendation No. 2: Never turn off your airbags while driving a
tractor-trailer.
Recommendation No. 3: Motor carriers need to monitor their drivers’
driving records for key violations that indicate a future crash is likely.
Recommendation No. 4: Motor carriers should consider regular online
safety training that allows drivers the flexibility to complete course(s) at
times convenient to their busy schedules.