An analysis of truck accidents reveals that each year, approximately 5,000 people in passenger vehicles die each year in accidents that involve semi-trucks or eighteen-wheelers. Additionally, about 700 people in the trucks die each year. 64% of all fatal accidents with semi-trucks involved a truck that was pulling just one trailer. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, and improper maintenance are the primary causes of these accidents when the truck driver is at fault. However, a majority of accidents are actually the fault of passenger vehicle drivers, who can merge in front of a truck without giving it enough time to slow down or stop.
Click Orlando reports that two Ocala teens have been rushed to a hospital after a crash in Belleview.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:39 a.m. on Thursday in Belleview. A 16-year-old boy was driving 2001 Dodge Ram eastwards on County Road 484. At the same time, a 35-year-old male was also heading east on CR 484, driving a semi-truck.
At the intersection of SE 36th Avenue, the tractor-trailer slowed down and stopped at a traffic light.
For unknown reasons, the 16-year-old did not stop and slammed into the back of the semi-truck.
The teenage driver was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. His passenger, a 16-year-old female, was critically injured and rushed to a local hospital.
The driver of the semi-truck did not suffer from any injuries.