Early this morning, two tractor trailers collided on I-77 in Surry County. The tractor trailers collided near mile marker 102 just before 6 a.m., shutting down both lanes. One lane had reopened by 8 a.m. One person was taken to Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The North Carolina Highway Patrol said fatigue was a factor as it appeared that the driver of one of the trucks fell asleep at the wheel before colliding with the other truck. Hazmat crews were called to the scene because of a fuel spill. The complete story can be found here: http://www.wxii12.com/news/local-news/foothills/tractortrailer-crashes-close-i77-south/25169766.
Fatigue is a relatively common cause of tractor trailer accidents. Tractor trailer drivers are required by federal law to limit the number of hours they drive in a particular time period. And they are required to keep detailed logbooks detailing their driving time. The reason for these regulations is to cut down on truck drivers who drive too many hours and end up fatigued.
If you have been involved in a collision with a tractor trailer or other large truck, please contact the Law Office of Kevin J. Williams, PLLC, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at (336)793-8459 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options. Kevin has extensive experience investigating trucking accidents to determine whether a collision is the result of driver fatigue. You may also e-mail Kevin using the contact form.
