In a headline that is becoming all too familiar,another oversized truck has caused a tragic road accident resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The truck, this time traveling north on the Interstate near Davis, Oklahoma, failed to follow the curve of the road but instead continued straight, traveled 820 feet through the median, struck a southbound bus, continued another 300 feet across the southbound lane, and finally came to rest after barreling through and uprooting trees.
The bus was carrying 15 members of the North Central Texas College Women’s Softball Team, four of whom died as a result of the accident. According to federal investigators, there were no signs of the truck braking or trying to avoid the collision, a finding similar to the highly publicized crash that seriously injured actor Tracy Morgan and killed comedian James McNair in June this year.
Large vehicles such as semi-trucks are inherently dangerous due to their size and weight, and as such need to be regulated in a way that puts responsibility on trucking companies to ensure their drivers are well rested, properly trained and adequately paid. Recently, tragic accidents involving oversized vehicles, along with a string of resulting lawsuits, have prompted public demand for stricter rules and regulations for truck drivers and trucking companies. The time for action is now. The Transportation Department should not wait for any more celebrity crashes to garner enough pressure to act.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact Morelli Law Firm for your free consultation.