One Killed in Santa Barbara, CA, 18-wheeler Accident on Hwy 101
Santa Barbara, CA -- March 2, 2017, a person was killed as the result of an accident in which a car rear-ended an 18-wheeler on Highway 101.
The California State Highway Patrol responded to the accident scene in the late hours of Thursday. The crash happened near the intersection of Highway 101 and Carrillo Street.
According to their reports, 71-year-old Jerry Johnson was traveling southbound along the highway in an 18-wheeler. One of the rear tires of the trailer blew out, and Johnson attempted to pull of onto the side of the road. As he did so, a Toyota Prius crashed into the back of the trailer.
Following the accident, emergency services pronounced the driver of the Prius dead at the scene. That person's identity has not been released.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the accident. Their investigations are ongoing.
Map of the Area
Commentary
One thing I believe warrants investigation here is the maintenance information on this particular truck. I've seen more than my fair share of accidents like this that were the result of a poorly maintained commercial vehicle. After all, truck tires are very expensive, so it's not uncommon to see a trucking company skip out on regularly changing them out in favor of saving a few bucks. Unfortunately, the cost for poor truck maintenance is not paid in dollars, but in lives.
A lot of people will suggest that asking questions about maintenance practices smears trucking companies. I would argue that the only thing that a trucking company who has good safety practices can expect from any investigation is the vindication of their safety culture and vigilance.
If our goal is to find the whole truth and a measure of justice, then we can't dismiss any possibility out of hand. I've seen too many accidents caused by factors that border on the unbelievable to rule out anything before the evidence is in. Nothing can be considered too unlikely when someone loses their life in an accident. Fatal accidents demand nothing less than extensive, thorough investigations. Anything less is a disservice to the surviving family who deserves to find resolution during a time of tragedy.
--Grossman Law Offices
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