Truck Driver Killed After Semi-Trailer Wheel and Tire Cross Median, Strike Windshield—Kentucky

The following report is the product of our Cooperative State partner and is presented here in its original unedited form from the state. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the individual Cooperative State partner and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

SUMMARY

On April 23, 2024, a 55-year-old male commercial truck driver was traveling on a Kentucky interstate when a semi-trailer wheel and tire crossed the median and struck the vehicle he was operating. The victim succumbed to the injuries sustained in the incident.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Key contributing factors identified in this investigation include:

• Mechanical failure

RECOMMENDATIONS
Kentucky investigators concluded that, to help prevent similar occurrences, employers should:

• Consider installing wheel-separation prevention devices;
• Consider providing hub and wheel-specific training to their maintenance technicians;
• Train and require drivers of commercial motor vehicles to conduct thorough equipment inspections and enforce requirement;
• Consider implementing an auditing process to ensure compliance with company procedures.

Truck Driver Killed After Semi-Trailer Wheel and Tire Cross Median, Strike Windshield—Kentucky [PDF – 892 KB]