Teresa Reyes Killed in 18-Wheeler Accident on US-80 in Van Zandt County, TX
Van Zandt County, TX — November 30, 2022, 57-year-old Teresa Reyes died in a crash with a tractor-trailer on U.S. Highway 80 in Van Zandt County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 8:05 p.m. along US-80 near mile marker 708, roughly a mile east of Wills Point. Preliminary investigation suggests Reyes was driving a Ford Focus east on the highway in the right lane when a westbound Freightliner 18-wheeler started to make a left turn through the road ahead. As the truck turned toward a private driveway the Ford crashed into its trailer.
Reyes suffered fatal injuries in the collision. The truck driver was unhurt.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Teresa Reyes Accident in Van Zandt County
Early reports about this accident are a little puzzling. Authorities seem to believe the big rig was turning through the oncoming lane toward a private driveway, which in most cases means that driver would have a duty to yield to passing traffic. However, they seem to focus on how the victim (who didn't have to yield) was allegedly speeding and distracted and somehow don't pay much mind to the obstruction in her path. The supposed facts being what they are, it seems the truck shouldn't have been in her way in the first place whatever she might have been doing.
Oversights like that are why I so often caution people to treat preliminary findings with a measure of skepticism. I read the same reports as everyone else, and considering how they portray what happened I can't help but wonder how "official" they really are here. Could there be more to the story? Maybe, maybe not. However, a woman losing her life is more than enough reason to take another look and verify that the whole story--and everyone's part it in it--are confirmed. Whether that matches what police already said or reveals new information, getting the truth for the people who need it is a priority.
