Driver Dead in 18-Wheeler Accident on Interstate 95 in Wells, ME
Wells, ME — November 28, 2022, a truck driver died in a single-vehicle 18-wheeler accident off Interstate 95 in Wells.
Authorities say the incident happened around 1:30 p.m. on southbound I-95 near mile marker 23. Preliminary investigation suggests only that the victim's big rig was headed south when it ran off the road for unknown reasons and came to rest on a nearby embankment.
The truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say the driver may have experienced a medical issue and there was little damage to the truck itself.
The investigation continues. No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Truck Accident on I-95 in Wells
When folks hear about a crash caused by a medical emergency, they may assume it was pretty much unavoidable. That's true sometimes, but not always. In some cases the emergency was foreseeable and the driver's employer shouldn't have put them on the road to start with.
Trucking companies are typically responsible for ensuring their employees can reasonably perform their duties without endangering themselves or others. Health and driving history screenings are quite common (at least at reputable companies) as it's important to know whether a driver can safely move 40 tons of explosion-powered steel and fiberglass from A to B. If the company behind that driver was aware they might have a serious episode at the wheel but let them drive anyway, it put them and everyone else on the road in jeopardy. However, if the driver had a sudden blue-sky medical emergency with no precedent or warning, holding their employer responsible would be unjust.
That's why it's important for investigators to determine what condition, if any, made the driver lose control. If nothing like it had ever happened and their medical history was clear, then this terrible crash may really have been unavoidable. However, rather than simply assume this was just a matter of bad luck it's best to know for sure. Police may not have the time or inclination to dig into those particulars, though, so to be sure the whole truth is learned an independent investigation may be necessary.
