FACEValue: Truck driver struck, killed

Case report: #09MI085*
Issued by: Michigan Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation
Date of incident: Fall 2009

A 52-year-old truck driver was struck and killed by a double-axle gravel train semi-tractor trailer. The victim, who was wearing a Class II reflective vest at the time of the incident, was walking to his truck through a parking lot, which was inadequately lit. The parking lot was dark because two pole lights located at each corner end at the back of the parking lot were not working. The driver of the other truck had a suspended driver’s license and no commercial driver’s license. He struck the victim with the driver’s side of the tractor as he began to make a turn. The driver of the vehicle that struck the victim had been awake for more than 17 hours when the incident occurred. Emergency responders declared the victim dead at the scene. The death certificate listed the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries.

To prevent future occurrences:

• Ensure headlights are on in parking lots when vehicles are moving during dusk through dawn hours.
• Educate workers about fatigue management.
• Create an inspection checklist to identify safety concerns, such as non-functioning lights.
• Establish vehicle traffic flow and pedestrian walkways in parking lots.
• Create and use a safety committee as part of a safety and health management system.