MOTOR CARRIER ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION. GROVER TRUCKING COMPANY, IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO. RUNAWAY TRUCK ACCIDENT

This is the investigative report of a runaway truck accident which occurred on July 15, 1981 on U.S. 95 in White Bird, Idaho. A southbound truck-tractor flatbed semitrailer, operated by the Grover Trucking Company, ran out of control on a steep downgrade and overturned. The units separated with the trailer rolling down the canyon and the tractor continuing ahead, striking a concrete bridge abutment and ejecting the truck driver. The truck driver was killed and $50,000 property damage was incurred. The probable cause of this accident was determined to be excessive speed and the over application of brakes resulting in brake fade and loss of control. It was also found that the truck driver was inexperienced in the operation of tractor trailers.

• Corporate Authors:

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Publication Date: 1982-2

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: 4 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Braking performance; Bridge abutments; Crash causes; Crash investigation; Ejection; Fatalities; Loss and damage; Property; Speeding; Tractor trailer combinations; Trailers; Truck drivers
• Uncontrolled Terms: Property damage
• Old TRIS Terms: Brake fade; Driver investigation; Runaway vehicles
• Subject Areas: Highways; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; I80: Accident Studies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00367665
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: Report N 81-1, HS-033 130
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 30 1982 12:00AM