Pedestrian Killed by 18-Wheeler on US-285 in Reeves County, TX
Reeves County, TX — September 13, 2022, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer on U.S. Highway 285 in Reeves County.
Authorities say the incident happened Tuesday afternoon along US-285. The cause and circumstances of the collision aren't clear, but reports indicate the victim was on foot in or near the road when they were hit and fatally injured by a passing 18-wheeler.
The investigation continues. No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Pedestrian Accident on US-285 in Reeves County
I've encountered many people over the years who generally felt that pedestrian accidents on highways, while tragic, were mostly due to someone being on foot in a place they shouldn't be. It's true that a busy highway is a risky place to walk, stand, or run, but at the same time fault is never automatic after an accident. Every incident's specifics must be learned to find out whether it could or should have been avoided--or at least not been as severe.
With that in mind investigators still have to look at a lot of details: Where exactly was the pedestrian in relation to the road, and what were they doing when the truck approached? Was the truck driver awake, alert, and watching the road? Did anything block the two parties' view of the other? Was there any other traffic around--did other drivers successfully avoid the pedestrian before the truck came along?
The point isn't to complicate things or make unfounded accusations. It's just important not to jump to conclusions with such a limited amount of information. Further careful investigation could show a clear and simple explanation for what happened here, but it could also show that things are more complicated than anyone first realized. Whatever is learned, the most important thing is to get the victim's loved ones all the answers and help they deserve.
