Truck Driver Admits to Sleeping at the Wheel before Accident

Last week we blogged about a fatal accident at the toll plaza on Interstate 78 in Williams Township where a driver was killed, the toll both was damaged, and the highway was shut down for nearly 6 hours. An update on LehighValleyLive.com is now reporting that the driver of the tractor trailer that started the accident has admitted to nodding off while driving, according to court papers.

The accident happened on Jan. 13 when the truck slammed into the barrier at the toll plaza, and came down on a car and driver that was paying his toll. The truck and car caught fire and the driver of the car later died from his injuries.

According to the article, the truck driver was trying to fight fatigue while driving by rolling down his window and turning up the volume on the radio. There are reports from witnesses that saw the truck swerving before it hit the car.

The truck driver turned himself in this week and was released on $50,000 unsecured bail. Charges against him include homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and other traffic violations.

Contact Information