Santiago Serbin Jr. Killed in Crossover Accident on FM 2378 near Lubbock, TX
Lubbock, TX — December 21, 2022, 68-year-old Santiago Serbin Jr. died in a crossover collision on Farm to Market Road 2378 near Lubbock.
Authorities say the incident happened around 6:40 p.m. along FM 2378 southwest of town. Preliminary investigation suggests Servin's pickup truck was southbound as 40-year-old James Barrett was headed north on the other side of the road.
Serbin allegedly crossed over the center line and began to drive against traffic as the vehicles approached one another; Barrett reportedly tried to steer clear of the oncoming pickup but the vehicles crashed in the northbound lane.
Serbin was pronounced dead at the scene. Barrett reportedly received minor injuries.
The investigation continues. No further information is currently available.
People tend to quickly blame accidents like this one on the person who crossed over the center line, but as with any crash I'd tell those folks that it's important to withhold judgment until more information is available. It's true that many such wrecks are caused by operator mistakes like speeding, getting distracted, falling asleep, or even driving under the influence, but there are also many explanations wholly out of a driver's hands.
If the pickup crossed over because of a blown tire or a medical emergency, for example, then it certainly wouldn't be fair to blame the driver for something beyond his control. Consider the GM ignition switch defect a few years ago: How many people took the heat for their wrecks before investigators finally found out a bad car part was behind them?
I'm not saying things have to be more complicated than a momentary but costly driver mistake. I am however saying that the possibility can't be ignored. A man lost his life here and I take issue with anyone trying to quickly write that off before all the facts are in. His family deserves to know the whole story; who will make sure they get it?
