Incident Overview
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — Paul Hennel reached the hospital in just eight minutes after receiving a call from his son Brandon’s girlfriend, who was concerned about Brandon’s absence. His first stop was the emergency room at WellSpan York Hospital.
Health Challenges
Since that night, Brandon, 24, has spent weeks in trauma care, eventually being transferred to Penn State Hershey Medical Center. State police reported that a sheet of ice fell from a truck’s roof, crossed into oncoming traffic, and crashed through Brandon’s windshield. Paul Hennel mentioned that Brandon has no recollection of that night, including the brief drive to his girlfriend’s house, which triggered her worries.
Advocacy for Truck Driver Safety
Despite the difficult recovery—which included recent reconstructive facial surgery and upcoming removal of jaw wiring—Paul Hennel is committed to advocating for legislation that simplifies compliance for truck drivers regarding the removal of snow and ice from their vehicles. His goal is to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Legislative Progress
While Pennsylvania has made strides by passing legislation in 2022 that mandates prompt removal of snow and ice from vehicle roofs and imposes penalties for violations, Paul believes more needs to be done. The law, supported unanimously by both Democrats and Republicans, aims to enhance safety on the roads.
Proposed Improvements
Paul Hennel suggests increasing accessibility at truck stops and weigh stations for drivers lacking resources to clear their vehicles. He highlighted that the existing law currently applies to all vehicles, not just trucks, but emphasized the challenges truck drivers face.
Continuing the Conversation
Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill, whose district includes the Hennel family, applauds Senator Lisa Boscola for advocating for the law, known as “Christine’s Law”, which arose from past tragedies related to snow and ice hazards. Phillips-Hill expressed that laws may need adjustments to ensure their effectiveness in preventing accidents.
A Commitment to Change
Paul Hennel stated, “I’m not just doing this for Brandon. I’m doing it for all the families out there.” He shared that, despite the severity of Brandon’s injuries, his survival and recovery have been miraculous. Hennel is also seeking donations for medical expenses through a GoFundMe campaign and expressed gratitude for the extensive support from medical personnel and first responders.
