• December 07, 2022

St. Joseph County, MI — December 6, 2022, a 61-year-old Florida man died in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer on U.S. Highway 12 in St. Joseph County.

Authorities say the incident happened around noon on US-12 between White Pigeon and Mottville. Preliminary investigation suggests only that the victim's pickup truck and a commercial 18-wheeler crashed head-on in the area for unknown reasons.

The pickup driver was pronounced dead at the scene; the big rig driver received minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital. Both drivers reportedly had their seat belts on when they collided.

The investigation continues. No further information is available at this time.

Commentary on Truck Accident on US-12 in St. Joseph County

The news didn't provide many details about what happened here, but if two vehicles collided head-on it seems like someone may have crossed over the road's center line. If so then two questions stand out among all those that still need answers: Who crossed over and why?

To be sure those are answered quickly and properly investigators should look for the clear facts about the incident. What does the electronic data from each vehicle say? Do scene forensics like debris patterns or tire marks help tell the story? Were both drivers in good health, awake, alert, and focused on driving? What condition were both vehicles in--could a damaged or defective part have sent one left of center? How were visibility and sightlines? What about road conditions? Weather? Were there any witnesses? Did the big rig have a dashcam?

Those are just a few of the many details to look into, but frankly I have my misgivings about whether police will address them all. If their eventual report has missing details or debatable conclusions, that could be highly problematic for the victim's loved ones as they search for answers. They deserve no less than the whole story, so do the authorities have the needed time and resources to get it for them?