Truck Driver’s Inattention Leads to Fatal Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a final report on Wednesday, attributing a multi-vehicle accident that resulted in six deaths and 41 injuries to a truck driver’s “inattention and failure to respond” to a traffic slowdown.
Details of the Accident
On November 14, 2023, a tractor trailer from Mid State Systems was traveling west on I-70 in Ohio when it failed to slow down for a traffic backup caused by a previous crash, according to the NTSB. The truck struck the slower vehicles at a speed of 72 miles per hour, leading to a chain-reaction collision.
Chain Reaction and Fire
The truck initially collided with an SUV, went over it, and then crashed into the rear of a motorcoach. This impact caused the bus to hit another SUV, which spun sideways before crashing into an additional truck. A fire erupted amid the chaos, quickly spreading to the rear three vehicles involved in the accident.
Injuries and Fatalities
The bus, transporting students from the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District to a band performance, lacked seat belts for its passengers. Tragically, three students on the motorcoach, along with three parent chaperones and a teacher in one of the SUVs, lost their lives. The truck driver sustained only minor injuries.
Investigation Findings
The NTSB could not determine the reason behind the truck driver’s lack of attention during the incident. The report also indicated that the lack of a strategy for monitoring and communicating traffic slowdowns contributed to the crash.
Recommendations for Enhanced Safety
The report highlighted the potential effectiveness of an in-vehicle monitoring system, which could have refocused the truck driver’s attention on the road. It also identified the speed differential between the truck and the slower traffic as a noteworthy factor. The NTSB proposed eight new safety recommendations and reiterated two existing ones, advocating for stricter federal guidelines on traffic management, performance standards for collision avoidance technology in commercial vehicles, and mandates for driver monitoring systems.
State and School District Actions Suggested
Additionally, the Ohio Department of Transportation was encouraged to create a statewide strategy for implementing variable speed limits during congestion. The board also recommended that the school district prioritize bus companies that provide and mandate the use of seat belts for passengers.
