Serious Car Accident Involving Tractor-Trailer In North Kingstown, Rhode Island
A serious accident in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, resulted in substantial injury to a motorist. The collision involved a car becoming lodged beneath a tractor-trailer last Thursday morning.
Law enforcement responded promptly to the scene of the accident. The incident occurred at the junction of Roger Williams Way and Commerce Park Road, with authorities arriving around 11:55 p.m. on the preceding Wednesday, as confirmed by WJAR reports.
Investigation into Crash
Police conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Street racing is seen to be a contributing factor. The severity of the collision, resulting in the car becoming wedged beneath the tractor-trailer, indicates reckless driving and excessive speeds.
The single occupant of the car involved in the accident is identified as 18-year-old Kevin Batiz from Franklin, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, Kevin suffered serious injuries in the collision, which demonstrates the vulnerability of occupants in smaller vehicles when faced with accidents involving larger commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers.
Roger Williams Way and Commerce Park Road Temporarily Closed
Upon arriving at the scene, rescue crews had to extricate Kevin from the vehicle. This underscores the vulnerabilities inherent in occupants of smaller vehicles when faced with collisions involving larger vehicles. The truck driver emerged from the collision without sustaining any injuries.
As a result of the accident, the intersection of Roger Williams Way and Commerce Park Road was temporarily closed. After the investigation and recovery efforts, the area was reopened.
10 Ways to Avoid A Collision with a Tractor Trailer
Colliding with a tractor trailer can cause severe injury and even death to the driver of a passenger vehicle or motorcycle. Follow these tips to avoid a collision with a tractor trailer.
- Maintain Safe Following Distance: Tractor-trailers have longer stopping distances due to their size and weight. Maintain a safe following distance of at least 4-6 seconds to give yourself ample time to react to sudden stops or obstacles.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Trucks have larger blind spots, especially on the right side and behind them. If you can’t see the truck’s side mirrors, assume the driver can’t see you either. Pass quickly and safely when necessary.
- Use Turn Signals Early: When merging or changing lanes around a truck, use your turn signals well in advance to allow the truck driver time to adjust their speed or position if needed.
- Stay Visible: If you’re behind a truck, make sure you can see its side mirrors. This ensures that the truck driver is aware of your presence.
- Pass Safely: When passing a truck, do so on the left and maintain a steady speed. Signal clearly, accelerate smoothly, and pass efficiently. Avoid passing on hills or curves where visibility is limited.
- Avoid Cutting Off Trucks: Cutting in front of a truck abruptly can limit its braking distance and reaction time. Always provide plenty of space when merging in front of a truck.
- Be Cautious in Inclement Weather: Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and traction. Give trucks even more space during adverse weather conditions to account for longer stopping distances.
- Be Patient: Trucks may need more time to accelerate, decelerate, and navigate turns. Patience can prevent risky maneuvers and unnecessary conflicts.
- Yield the Right of Way: Trucks may require more time to make turns or navigate intersections. Be courteous and yield the right of way when necessary.
- Plan Your Stops: When driving near trucks on highways, try to avoid stopping suddenly. Trucks need more distance to stop, and sudden stops can catch them off guard.
Remember that both car drivers and truck drivers share the responsibility of ensuring road safety. By following these tips and being mindful of the unique challenges trucks present, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents involving tractor-trailer trucks.
More from NECN News below:
“NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WJAR) — North Kingstown Fire Chief Scott Kettelle said a car became wedged under a tractor-trailer truck and caught on fire early Thursday morning.
“Police said they’re investigating whether street racing preceded the crash.”
Police said the car’s driver, 18-year-old Kevin Batiz of Franklin, Massachusetts, was seriously hurt. He was the only person in the car.
The truck driver, a 41-year-old man from Providence, was not hurt.
Police said speed appears to be a factor in the crash and that it may have been the result of street racing.
“Eyewitness accounts identified the other involved vehicle as a light-colored car possibly white or silver with a shape similar to that of a Honda Civic,” police said in a news release.
