On Tuesday afternoon, there was a semi truck crash in Polk County. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened at about 1:00 p.m. on I-26 near Holbert Cove Road. Very little information has been released about this truck crash, but we do know that the truck driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle and it overturned in the roadway. A portion of I-26 eastbound had to be closed as crews and first responders worked the scene. Additionally, the tractor-trailer was apparently loaded with chicken and bacon at the time of the crash.
Distracted Driving in a Commercial Vehicle
Although this crash is likely still under investigation, initial reports indicate that the driver was making a cell phone call at the time of the wreck. The driver has been charged with failure to maintain a lane and using a cell phone in a commercial vehicle. Thankfully, no injuries were reported on the scene, and no other vehicles were involved. This wreck could have been a lot worse.
Truck Crash Statistics in The U.S.
Between 2015 and 2016, there was a 5.4 percent increase in fatalities involving large trucks.
In 2016, 4,317 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks.
72 percent of the people killed in large truck crashes in 2016 were occupants in other vehicles.
In 2016, drivers of large trucks in fatal crashes were less likely to have previous licenses suspensions or revocations than were passenger car drivers.
Truck Accidents in Asheville
Distracted driving has no place behind the wheel, no matter what type of vehicle is involved. That being said, the commercial trucking industry has an extra duty of care to ensure drivers only engage in safe driving behaviors. Tractor-trailers and semi trucks are so much heavier and larger than traditional passenger occupant vehicles. The stakes are a lot higher in crashes involving big rigs, and a truck accident can leave you in the hospital, or worse.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in an accident involving a commercial trucking vehicle in Asheville or in any of the surrounding Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.