Semi Truck Tire Blowout Causes Head-on Collision in Jacksonville
A recent head-on crash on State Road 9A in Jacksonville tied up traffic for hours and sent a Duval School Board employee to the hospital in critical condition.
February 24, 2012
A recent head-on crash on State Road 9A in Jacksonville tied up traffic for hours and sent a Duval School Board employee to the hospital in critical condition.Extremely Dangerous Hazards at the Scene of the Car and Truck Collision
The accident occurred during morning rush hour when an Anheuser-Busch tractor-trailer hauling beer through a construction zone blew a tire on the St. John's Bluff Overpass.
The beer truck crossed the median after the blowout, ended up in the southbound lane still traveling north and collided head-on with an oncoming school district maintenance truck and three other vehicles. Witnesses reported seeing concrete and other debris flying off of the overpass and onto the roadway below.
The car accident tied up traffic for nearly seven hours. The 39-year-old Jacksonville area driver of the school district truck had to be air lifted to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center. The 22-year-old driver of the beer truck, also from Jacksonville, was also treated at Shands. The three other victims received minor injuries in the Florida car and truck accident.
According to reports at the scene, trash and other debris could be seen flying in all directions. Hazard crews were called in to clean up over 50 gallons of gasoline that had spilled out onto the highway. The flammable and potentially explosive fuel mixed with the alcohol and aluminum debris put drivers, pedestrians and emergency crews in an especially dangerous situation. Thousands of cans of beer were scattered all over both sides of the road.
Common Mistakes Made by Truck Drivers
Although we do not know what caused this accident, in general construction zones pose significant challenges for drivers -- especially large commercial trucks like 18-wheelers, semi trucks or commercial trucks that must often navigate narrow lanes near on-coming traffic and construction workers.
Many common truck driver mistakes can lead to fatal semi truck crashes. These judgment errors are exacerbated because the vehicle involved in the crash is a truck or larger vehicle which is difficult to maneuver quickly due to their sheer size and weight, especially in a confined area such as a construction zone or two lane highways.
Other things truck drivers need to avoid:
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers may be distracted through the use of radios and cell phones. Even so-called hands free devices can take the driver's attention off of the road.
- Lack of sleep: Commercial truck drivers often attempt to travel especially long distances with cargo in order to meet delivery deadlines. When they don't get adequate sleep, not only is the risk of falling asleep at the wheel increased, but reaction time behind the wheel may be decreased.
- Lack of maneuverability and blind spots: Commercial trucking has inherently dangerous elements. Most truck drivers deal with a lack of visibility and an increased breaking distance, adding to the potential for collisions.
Although truck drivers may have experience and training, in high traffic areas or in especially dangerous weather and road conditions, these factors also can contribute to poor reaction time and decision-making during emergency situations like a tire blow-out. After a serious truck collision, it's important to consult with a knowledgeable Florida accident attorney.
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