Driver Killed After Going Under Semi Truck On I-95
Semi trucks are common sights on Florida highways, but it’s important for other motorists to keep their distance. Getting too close to these large vehicles could result in a fatal crash, so drivers need to be careful.
Sadly, this was recently the case in Florida. A woman was killed after colliding with a semi truck in Palm Coast. The fatal accident on Interstate 95 on the morning of December 28.
A semi truck was in the center lane of northbound Interstate 95, near Matanzas Woods Parkway. It was slowing down to stop when the vehicle behind it did not notice this and could not stop in time. The sedan rear-ended the semi truck, with the vehicle sliding under the truck.
A witness called 911 and Florida Highway Patrol, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Coast Fire Department, and Flagler County Fire Rescue were all at the accident scene within minutes.
The driver of the sedan, an unidentified woman, was decapitated in the crash. She died at the accident scene. The driver of the semi truck was not injured. No other vehicles or victims were involved in the crash.
Traffic was shut down for several hours between Palm Coast Parkway and Matanzas Woods Parkway. The cause of the crash is still unknown.
Underride Truck Accidents
Any truck accident can be dangerous, but an underride crash can be deadly. This type of crash occurs when a vehicle slides underneath a semi truck’s trailer. This often happens in rear-end accidents, although it can occur in side-impact crashes as well. The results are disastrous, often causing the windshield to come off. Occupants can suffer paralysis, brain damage, and even decapitation.
To prevent underride accidents from occurring, the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA) implemented federal regulations requiring the installation of underride guards on many commercial trucks. These guards attach to the rear of the truck’s trailer and keep vehicles from sliding underneath the truck.
These guidelines became mandatory in 1998. All commercial trucks with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds are to follow these guidelines. These regulations also set specific requirements for the height and weight of the guards.
In addition, the Stop Underride Act of 2017 was introduced in Congress. It requires the following:
- Strengthened rear underride guards
- Additional underride guards on the fronts and sides of trucks
- Rear and side guards that have been tested at passenger vehicle speeds of 35 miles per hour
- Periodic inspection of underride guards, with the requirement that a truck is placed out of service if guards need to be repaired or replaced
Seek Help for Your Personal Injury Case
Drivers need to be careful when around semi trucks. One wrong move can lead to a deadly accident.
Truck accidents can be complex. The Dade City & Zephyrhills truck accident attorneys from Madonna Law Group can help you get maximum compensation for your injuries. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling (800) 557-0411.
Source:
flaglerlive.com/184651/a-driver-is-killed-on-i-95-as-car-goes-under-semi-near-matanzas-woods-parkway/
