Roger Leake Killed in Truck Accident on I-55 in Crittenden, AR
Crittenden, AR — July 5, 2022, 36-year-old Roger Leake was killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 55 in rural Crittenden.
According to reports the incident happened around 10:25 p.m. on northbound I-55 near mile marker 225. Preliminary investigation suggests Leake was driving a Hyundai vehicle north behind a Peterbilt 18-wheeler. The truck driver slowed for traffic ahead and Leake allegedly failed to control the Hyundai's speed, rear-ending the big rig.
Leake suffered fatal injuries in the crash. No other injuries were reported.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Roger Leake Accident on I-55 in Crittenden
Reports provide a rough sketch of what happened on I-55, but don't or can't really say why things went that way. Why did the car hit the semi-truck? How fast were both vehicles moving when the truck slowed down? Did the truck driver brake suddenly or gradually as they approached traffic? Did the truck's brake lights work properly? Did the Hyundai have any mechanical issues that prevented it from slowing or stopping effectively? Did its airbags activate properly during the collision? Was the victim distracted when he approached the truck? Tired? Could he have been incapacitated by some kind of medical issue?
These questions and many others need answers before anyone can accurately say what happened, but looking into those extenuating factors isn't about complicating things or arguing with police. The simple fact is unusual things happen in traffic accidents all the time.
Anyone hurt in a crash deserves the benefit of the doubt unless objective facts determine they were at fault. Once there's been a full and proper investigation, the evidence will have the final say on what caused the wreck and who (if anyone) should be held responsible.
