Tractor Trailer Hits and Kills Driver on Side of Road in Hickory, North Carolina

In the early hours of August 6th a truck driver was hit and killed by a tractor trailer on the side of Highway 321 south bound, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Troopers said a tractor trailer became disabled just south of the River Road exit. The driver called for another truck to assist him. The second driver arrived and was outside trying to hitch the trailer to his truck when he was hit by a truck at about 4 a.m. The road was closed until about 8:30 a.m.

Our deepest condolences go out to the victim's family. Losing someone you love is always difficult, but is even more heart breaking when the loss is sudden.

Highway Patrol said fog was likely a factor in the crash and may have prevented the at-fault truck driver from seeing the other trucks. Other contributing factors to this tragic truck wreck could include exceeding safe speed for this type of weather condition, especially in the early morning hours when many serious truck accidents are likely to occur. Another factor could be "over driving" with your headlights. This means you are driving so fast that the distance required to come to a complete stop is longer than the distance the vehicle's headlights allow the driver to see clearly.

If you find yourself in a similar situation stranded on the side of the road in the fog, be sure to turn your vehicle's lights off and take your foot off of the brake pedal. People tend to follow tail lights when driving in fog, according to weather.com. Anytime you become stranded on the side of the road it is important to remember to stay inside your vehicle. If you must exit your vehicle, exit through the door closest to the median or shoulder. Once out of the vehicle, move as far away from the road as possible to avoid injury and wait for help.

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