Truck driving is laden with immense responsibilities, and every journey undertaken amplifies this truth. A particularly poignant example of the magnitude of these responsibilities is the unfortunate accident involving Werner Enterprises in 2014. The incident resulted in the death of a child and severe injuries to other family members. Even though Werner has sought to appeal, the company faces a standing judgment amounting to more than $100 million.
This tragic incident unfolded on a day marked by freezing rain and black ice, creating treacherous driving conditions on Interstate 20 near Odessa, Texas. A vehicle carrying a woman named Jennifer Blake and her three children lost control, crossed the median strip, and collided head-on with a truck driven by Shiraz Ali, an employee of Werner Enterprises.
The collision led to heartbreaking outcomes: one of Blake’s children was killed, another was left a quadriplegic, and the third child sustained significant injuries. Blake herself suffered physical injuries and mild brain injuries.
The court’s subsequent ruling held both Ali and Werner Enterprises responsible. The lower court attributed 70% of the blame to Werner, 14% directly to Ali, and 16% to Salinas, the driver of the other vehicle. Notably, the speed of the Werner truck in the icy conditions and the driver’s lack of experience were significant factors in the ruling.
According to the court, the Werner truck was estimated to be traveling at an unsafe speed of 43 mph, and potentially as high as 50 mph, while a local tow truck driver had slowed to 15 mph. Ali, who was a new driver having been out of driver school for less than a week, was not permitted to operate a CB radio, which could have warned him of the perilous road conditions. The court asserted that the accident’s injuries might have been less severe if the truck had been operating at a slower speed.
The court’s decision underlines the necessity for trucking companies to ensure proper training and adaptability, particularly in unfavorable weather conditions. Furthermore, it stresses that companies must refrain from hindering their drivers from accessing important information about dangerous weather conditions. The foreseeability of an accident in such situations is vital, and as such, both trucking companies and drivers must prioritize safety.
The Werner Enterprises case serves as a potent reminder that truck driving involves not only technical skill but also situational awareness and adaptability to the prevailing road conditions. The adherence to these principles is key to reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring safer roads for everyone.