Police: Semi driver NOT to blame for Death on I-35/80 was suicide

Discussion in 'Trucking Accidents' started by ithinkican, Jul 28, 2009.

  1. ithinkican

    ithinkican Bobtail Member

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    Jan 23, 2008
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    http://beta.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090727/NEWS/90726015
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 28, 2009
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  3. CommDriver

    CommDriver Road Train Member

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    In the outside lane even. I would not want to be put in that position of wondering whether I should wreck trying to avoid the person. He probably couldn't swerve to the left ditch because that could have put him into oncoming traffic from the other side. If he swervd back to the right she might have been able to still run in front of him. Or the trailer could have hit her.

    And I don't know. I guess the question is, if somebody jumps out in front of you like that, do you try to throw it in a ditch if nobody else will be hurt? Except for you of course. Or do treat them like a deer and just hold on and brace for impact? There was a long thread on this subject some time ago.
     
  4. tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

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    Good question and one I have thought about. In theory I say treat 'em like a deer. I'm not going to kill myself for someone who does that. In reality I really don't know and I hope I never have to find out. It would be really hard to run a human being down without at least attempting to avoid them.
     
  5. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    Probably the best thing to do.

    Swerving, might cause the truck to strike other vehicles. At that point, you would be responsible for more involved accidents.

    I just hope for the drivers sake, that it can be dealt with.

    I also hope the family does not sue the trucker and the company for money for the suicide.
     
  6. Air Breeze

    Air Breeze Heavy Load Member

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    Jun 19, 2009
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    What a pathetic loser that uses another person to commit suicide.Now this driver
    will have this on his conscience the rest of his life and its not even his fault.
     
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  7. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    I have dealt with the suicidal on medical calls.

    I would not classify them as losers.

    They truly are at wits end and I expect to see more of this as the economy stays like it is.
     
    shriner75, ithinkican and mycorky Thank this.
  8. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    That stretch is 6 lanes with a center barrier. I can't remember if there is a full lane shoulder in the middle or not. Making a lane change is not always possible, and even then, if she was going to try for death by blunt force trauma, there would be little that could be done with any vehicle at highway speeds. The posted limit in that area is 65 MPH.
     
  9. mz_williams

    mz_williams Bobtail Member

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    Jul 30, 2009
    Burlington, Iowa
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    One of my friends on Facebook said her husband works with the driver. But she has not posted as to his state of mind at this time.
     
  10. doubledragon5

    doubledragon5 Road Train Member

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    I was always taught never to swerve to avoid hitting a animal LOL.. Sorry but could not resist..
     
    bdmose Thanks this.
  11. bdmose

    bdmose Light Load Member

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    Aug 15, 2008
    anywhere but my home in VA
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    I hope she's in hell, I don't care if one wants to off themselves, but leave everyone else out of it
     
    LandShark Thanks this.
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