A rash of deadly accidents involving tractor trailer trucks along Tennessee interstates is a stark reminder of the danger involved in traveling the roads with these large vehicles. While most truckers are excellent drivers who practice safe and defensive driving techniques, some are not safe and either drive aggressively, without enough sleep, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And, sometimes, they just have accidents – just like we personal vehicle drivers do. However, an accident with a truck is a horrifying experience and one that anyone in a car or SUV is lucky to walk away from alive. Unfortunately, two accidents within 24 hours proved deadly for Tennessee drivers involved in accidents with semi-trucks.
The first happened on I-24 at the Rossville Blvd exit in Chattanooga, when Eugene Sutton collided with a semi-truck. He died later of his injuries. Mr. Sutton apparently died of a “crush injury”,identified as an injury that occurs when a body part is subjected to a high degree of force or pressure, usually after being squeezed between two heavy objects. Mr. Sutton was awake and alert after the accident, but the engine and frame of his mini-van had been pushed into the driver’s seat and pinned him in the van.
The second accident happened on I-65 near the Long Hollo Pike exit in Goodlettesville when a Ford Expedition driven by Patricia Dauer changed lanes and hit a semi-truck. The force of the impact sent her into the guardrail and Ms. Dauer was thrown from her vehicle and actually hit by another motorist. She died of her injuries. After she was ejected from her car, the Ford traveled back into traffic where it struck another car and that car was then hit by the tractor trailer that his Ms. Dauer.
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