A collision involving two semi-trucks on Williams County Road 5 near Grenora Friday morning left two people injured. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP), the crash occurred when a 2020 Kenworth semi slowed to turn left into a disposal site. A 2015 Freightliner service truck, traveling behind the Kenworth, began braking but slid on the icy road and collided with the rear of the Kenworth’s trailer.
The driver of the Freightliner sustained serious injuries and was transported to CHI St. Alexius Hospital in Williston, while the driver of the Kenworth suffered minor injuries.
Crashes like this raise important questions about whether the left turn was executed safely given the icy conditions. This is just one of the questions investigators will have to answer when figuring out what happened.
Did the Kenworth’s Turn Account for the Conditions?
The Kenworth driver’s decision to make a left turn on extremely icy roads is key to understanding this accident. Turning left requires a large vehicle to slow significantly and occupy the oncoming lane, increasing the risk of a collision if approaching traffic cannot stop in time.
Investigators will need to assess whether the Kenworth driver accounted for the limited visibility caused by the crest of the hill and whether the turn could have been delayed until it was clear that trailing vehicles had enough time to stop safely.
The icy conditions and the hill likely contributed to the Freightliner’s inability to stop in time. In this case, investigators should also examine whether the road was treated with sand or salt to improve traction and whether warning signs were present to alert drivers of the hill and icy conditions.
While icy roads increase the risk of accidents, it’s crucial to determine if additional precautions could have mitigated the danger, such as avoiding the turn or having better signage.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
A thorough investigation should include an analysis of the Freightliner’s and Kenworth’s Engine Control Modules (ECMs) to determine their speeds and braking patterns leading up to the crash.
Dashcam footage from either truck, if available, could show whether the Kenworth signaled its turn in time. Witness statements and road maintenance records will also be important in understanding the conditions at the time of the crash.
Why These Questions Matter in Crashes Like This
This crash resulted in serious injuries, and understanding what happened is essential. Investigating whether the left turn was made safely and whether road conditions or visibility contributed to the collision will help tell the full story. In my experience, these details are critical to uncovering the details behind complex crashes like this one.