In this Preventable or not accident scenario, a trucker has to take evasive maneuvers to avoid hitting a runaway dump truck on an icy road, which damaged his right bumper. The trucker received a preventable accident warning letter from his safety director. However, was this accident actually preventable?
CCJ's Preventable or Not series is sponsored by CarriersEdge, creator of interactive online training for small and midsize fleets, including comprehensive safety, compliance and best practices content for truck drivers.
Two days earlier, Old Man Winter had dumped two feet of wet snow on two-lane Rambler Road, leaving icy ruts that made driving a challenge for trucker John Doe.
Driving his salt-spray-covered tractor slowly and cautiously, Doe witnessed the rapid approach of an elderly Diamond Reo dump truck in the opposing traffic lane and… UH OH! The Reo had hit a deep rut and was skidding on a collision course with Doe’s rig.
Reacting instantly, Doe spun his steering wheel hard right, causing his tractor trailer to swing off the road and gently impact a snow bank, thereby mangling the right side of his bumper.
With vast relief, Doe watched as the out-of-control Reo slid gracefully past. Aside from the bumper, Doe’s rig was unscathed. He regained his composure, pulled back onto the road and continued his run.
Later, Doe contested being charged with a preventable accident by his safety director. Asked to render a final decision, the National Safety Council’s Accident Review Committee ruled in Doe’s favor. NSC said he had avoided a collision by moving to the right, which was his only option.
