No cause given for fatal Atlanta trucking accident; data recorders would improve safety, assist investigators
A Texas man has been charged with a fatal Atlanta trucking accident that occurred on I-285, Channel 2 reported.
The 43-year-old driver is accused of crossing over the fog line and striking a minivan that was parked in the emergency lane. The Georgia semi accident happened on I-285 near Riverside Drive.
The crash claimed the life of a 44-year-old Sandy Springs motorist. The defendant is charged with a lane violation and second-degree vehicular homicide.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that the woman was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police say the tractor trailer hit the Toyota minivan as it traveled in a westbound lane.
The media has not reported on what caused this accident.
The leading causes of commercial trucking accidents include prescription drug use, speed, unfamiliar with road, over-the-counter medications, distracted driving, fatigue, illegal maneuvers and aggressive driving. As we reported recently on our Georgia Truck Accident Lawyers Blog, some safety advocates argue that treating truckers more like pilots would reduce the risk of serious and fatal tractor-trailer accidents on the nation's roads.
Current law permits truckers to use prescription medication under the advice of a doctor and relies upon paper logbook reporting of hours-worked, maintenance, and other safety requirements. Reducing work-hours, and relying upon automatic recorders -- similar to the black boxes we hear about in airliners -- could go a long way toward reducing the number of Georgia semi accidents.
If you are involving in a Georgia trucking accident, contact the Atlanta truck accident lawyers at Finch McCranie LLP for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (800) 228-9159 or at (404) 658-9070 or contact us through this website.
