Emergency rescuers could not get close because the flames were too hot. The police officer and his cousin who was also killed were in the SUV. Investigators also mistook the SUV for a small car. Also killed were the drivers of the 18-wheelers. The driver of the broken down 18-wheeler on the shoulder was asleep in the cab and not injured. He was cited for failure to properly display warning devices for a disabled vehicle on the shoulder. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require the 18-wheeler driver to take immediate steps to protect the motoring public. Part 392.22: Emergency signals; stopped commercial motor vehicles.

The impact was significant enough for the 18-wheeler to spill his load. Further investigation will identify why the 18-wheeler driver lost control of his rig. Was there driver distraction, improper lane change, fatigue? An alert, aware, and oriented professional truck driver should not hit the overpass.

The plaintiff was a newlywed with a 25-year old wife who was 3-months pregnant. A witness, who happened to be another 18-wheeler driver behind the defendant, testified that the defendant driver never slowed or swerved before crushing the Tollway truck. He also told the jury that the left lanes were free and clear, so the accident was entirely avoidable.

The defendant admitted negligence, but contended that Illinois Tollway was also negligent in the accident for not protecting the plaintiff’s decedent. Illinois Tollway denied any negligence in this case. After a trial that lasted 6 days, the jury found the defendant and their semi-truck driver at fault. The jury found Illinois Tollway not guilty.

In a safety recommendation issued by NTSB, it wants FMCSA to “develop and disseminate guidance for commercial drivers, employers and physicians” for identifying high-risk drivers. The NTSB’s recommendation specifically mentioned “commercial drivers,” an referenced an incident of a tractor-trailer driver with diagnosed OSA. He had collided with a Tennessee Highway Patrol vehicle, killing the trooper. The 18-wheeler driver had surgery for OSA but hadn’t reported his condition when examined for his medical certification. Other NTSB investigations mentioned included two commercial airline pilots who fell asleep (one of whom was at risk for OSA) and missed their intended destination airport in Hilo, Hawaii, and a train engineer who had been diagnosed with OSA who went through a stop and struck another train.

The NTSB said the prevalence of OSA is more than 50 percent in patients with an average body mass index of 40.0. It also mentioned a 2006 consensus statement from the Joint Task Force of the American College of Chest Physicians, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the National Sleep Foundation recommending that commercial drivers with a body mass index of 35 or higher and hypertension that can’t be controlled on less than two medications not be certified for longer than three months pending a formal OSA evaluation. Sleepiness from sleep apnea has been shown to significantly increase a driver’s risk of driving drowsy. Driver fatigue and sleepiness is a major cause of truck crashes. Stricter screening mandates could reduce the risk of truck crashes.

Much has been written, discussed and debated recently about tougher regulations on the amount of time 18 wheeler drivers are allowed to drive without appropriate rest and sleep time. This case illustrates yet another hazard unwitting motorists face when trucking companies are allowed to overload their trucks in order to maximize profits.

Gas prices are half of what they were last year. AAA estimates for the weekend that starts summer travel, 32.4 million Americans will travel long distances during the 3-day weekend. Driving is the most popular choice for holiday travelers, with about 83% choosing to drive.

18-wheelers dominate our highways. Put down the cell phone, no text messaging, and watch out! In my opinion while driving the roadways, 18-wheelers pull out in front of passenger vehicles especially 18-wheelers making left-turns and expect the vehicle to stop despite having the right of way. When the car hits these Big Rigs, the car loses.

So, while you and your family are in your car for the first big vacation trip of the summer, don’t let your guard down while driving to your destination of relaxation. Use your safety belt, put your cell phone down, keep a lookout and keep your distance from the 18-wheelers. Try to avoid driving after dark. . Be cautious in using your cruise control. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination and obey the posted speed limit while reducing speed for driving conditions.