When a tractor-trailer is involved in a collision with another vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic. Because of their power and size, tractor trailer drivers should be vigilant and cautious in the presence of other drivers. Unfortunately, when drivers of large vehicles take to the road while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their negligence could put the lives of other road users seriously at risk. Three people were killed in a truck accident in North Carolina recently after an intoxicated truck driver collided with multiple vehicles.
The 50-year-old man was driving the 18-wheeler west on Interstate 40 when the accident occurred. He struck a Ford F-250 pickup truck, and then a Chevrolet Equinox. Both drivers, a 38-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman, were killed.
The tractor-trailer then collided with another vehicle, causing it to burst into flames. The severity of the explosion prohibited police officers from determining the make or model of the vehicle. It was later determined the vehicle contained the remains of a 45-year-old man Burlington man.
The truck, continuing on its collision course, lastly struck a 20-foot box truck. The driver of the box truck suffered from non-life-threatening injuries.
When state troopers searched the truck’s cab, they found marijuana and methadone in addition to other forms of drug paraphernalia. The truck driver was charged with driving while impaired and three counts of felony death by vehicle.
The truck driver is stated to also have a prior criminal record.
The horrific accident is a shocking reminder of how dangerous intoxicated drivers can be to other motorists, especially when they are operating large vehicles. For the families of the victims, life must have changed in an instant. Losing a loved one is always traumatic, but for them to die under such horrific circumstances must be truly heartbreaking.
Source: The Chapel Hill News, “Driver in crash charged with DWI,” Thomasi Mcdonald and Bruce Siceloff, 03 July 2011
