Personal Injury Law

Three Perish in Florence County, South Carolina Collision with Logging Truck

By Michael Jeffcoat, Esq.

Three of ten passengers lost their lives on July 29, 2008 when their Toyota van collided with a logging truck on Interstate 95. The collision occurred at about 11:45 p.m. near the mile marker 170 rest area. The Florence County Coroner identified the victims as Abdurahman Abdurahman, age 20, Sofonias Debebe, also age 20, and Deraa Hago, age 8. The victims were reportedly residents of Arizona, Florida, and London, England, respectively. A fourth victim was airlifted to a North Carolina Hospital. The South Carolina Highway Patrol?s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is investigating the collision. The logging truck was not carrying a load at the time of the collision.

While this collision does not appear to involve a projecting load, any logging truck wreck brings to mind the importance of properly flagging so-called extending loads on trucks or trailers. You've probably seen the red or neon orange flags tied to the end of a projecting log on the back of a logging truck. Have you ever wondered why? It's simple, really. You see, it is very easy for drivers to misjudge distance when a load extends beyond the end of a truck they're approaching.

For example, South Carolina law generally prohibits a load from extending more than 6 feet from the end of the bed of a truck. When a load extends 4 feet or more, there should be a red flag at least 12 inches by 12 inches attached to the end of the load. The entire surface of the flag must be visible, too. During times when vehicle lights must be displayed, a lantern may be substituted for the flag.

Our roads are becoming more crowded than ever, which increases the importance of warning other drivers. We all have a lot to watch out for on the roads these days and a little cooperation can save lives.

Thanks to SCnow.com and The State newspaper for reporting.

Full post as published by Truck Accident Lawyer Blog on September 17, 2008 (boomark / email).