Two Women Injured in U.S. 31 After Colliding With Pickup Truck

According to an Indiana State Police Press Release, Susan Konkle and her passenger, Renee Stouder were injured when the 2007 Ford F-150 pickup truck they were in was rear-ended by a semi-tractor driven by Trina Fay Carlson.  The preliminary crash investigation by Indiana State Police Trooper Caleb Clark indicates that the semi-tractor pulling a box trailer failed to stop at a stop light at Business U.S. 31.  The Ford F-150 was stopped at the red light.

Both Konkle and Stouder were flown by medical helicopters to a Fort Wayne hospital with unknown injuries.  The driver of the semi-tractor was not injured. According to the press release neither drugs or alcohol are suspected of being contributing factors.  The press release does not indicate whether the weather conditions or distracted driving were suspected.  At the time of the press release, the investigation was ongoing.

Semi-truck Drivers are Held to a Higher Standard When the Weather is Bad

According to the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Manual, commercial drivers should reduce their speed by 1/3 on wet roads and by 1/2 or more on snow-packed roads. Further, Section 392.14 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation provides that: extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice, sleet…adversely affect visibility or traction.  Speed shall be reduced when such conditions exist.

Distracted Driving by Truckers is Dangerous for Everyone

A distracted truck driver can quickly plow into the back of a vehicle stopped in traffic or a stop light.  It should come as no surprise that semi-tractors pulling heavy trailers filled with cargo require more distance to slow and stop than do passenger vehicles.  In normal driving conditions, a passenger car traveling 65 mph would take about 300 feet to stop (length of a football field).  A fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at the same speed would need 525 feet to stop.  As a commercial truck approaches a red stoplight at 65 mph, every second of delay in braking subtracts 95 feet from the distance available to stop.  There are many distractions for a truck driver.  Drivers can be distracted by cell phones trying to dial, text, use GPS and even simply talking on the phone.  Distractions are certainly not limited to electronic devices though.  Eating, drinking, smoking, other passengers can all serve as distractions for semi drivers. A quick distraction can lead to a fatal collision.

Involved in a Collision with a Semi-trailer Truck or Pickup Truck?

If you are involved in a crash caused by another motorist in Indiana, our knowledgeable accident lawyers are ready to help. A trucking accident can be devastating if you have suffered serious injuries, or if you have lost a loved one. Please call our talented Indiana truck accident lawyers at the law offices of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. We will help you determine the cause of the wreck and hold those responsible accountable. You can reach us online by filling out a contact form, and a representative from our office will get in touch with your shortly.

I would invite you to check out my recently published book Semitruck Wreck: A Guide for Victims and Their Families as well as my “After the Crash Podcast” videos on Youtube where I discuss in detail things that you will find helpful, especially if you’ve been in a recent crash.