Originally Posted by TonyUFN

First off let me explain a bit. I own a small auto transport company which I use my 2008 5500 C/C to pull wedge, lowboy and enclosed trailers. I am fully compliant and legal in regards to operation, therefore am inspected and maintained regularly.

I was recently involved in a multi-vehicle accident in Pennsylvania on I-76 Eastbound (17 milepost), on 02/17/2010 @ approx 11:15ph EST. I was the 3rd or 4th truck to become involved. My load consisted of a 1997 MB sedan and a 2006 Ford commercial van(DHL Van), so I was hauling my lowboy trailer. The combination is configured for 5th wheel rated at 30k+ lbs at the hitch, and I'm legal at the 40,500GVW the combination tags at(plated for 45k). The gross weight of the trailer with its load was right about 11,400#.

2 trucks had jackknifed around a blind curve, and the truck I was behind saw it late, locked them up and continued to slide on the black ice into the mess. My avoidance put me into the passing lane to avoid immediately hitting him. Upon entering the passing lane with brakes applied, the jack-knifed trucks were then visible to me. Stopping was not happening since the truck was already on the ice and anti-lock did not function at all putting the truck into a full slide at approximately 50 mph(65mph speed limit, conditions suggested 55ish as the road "appeared dry") into the back of a fully loaded semi-trailer. Even the state troopers slid on the ice upon leaving their squad cars, ending on their backside commenting that they did not think the road was even wet?!?!

The anti-lock brakes never pulsated, and the airbags did NOT deploy. Disappointing at the least. I did walk(ie, hobble) away from the incident. But in all opinions should not have survived(per emergency crews and state police comments).

Here is my quandary... which may give you some thinking material as well.

The truck cab was crumpled, but still offered protection. My trailer (configured as such) was stopped by the truck frame, so it did not enter the occupant space. Other than some pinning by the dash which prevented the engine from coming into the compartment, I was able to exit quickly. Another semi truck hit me at about 40mph since he had more reaction time on better pavement farther up the road at the beginning of the curve.

I broke the drivers window to escape the truck fearing the result of a truck hitting my trailer. Was able to pull my legs from under the dash and climbed out the window and over the center highway divider.

I was able to take pictures at the scene, as well as requested pictures from one of the responding fire departments. the fire department was fixated on my truck specifically and the airbag non-deployment. this was noted by them and the state police in their reports.

Injuries were limited to myself, being a few broken bones and needing facial surgery(32 stitches to reattach my lower lip to my jaw - hit the steering wheel). The next lesser was the truck I hit, the driver needed stitches in his hand from a glass cut leaving the cab of his truck and not from the accident(9 stitches). 1 car driver had a cut on his head that stitches (2 stitches).

I am proud of the truck for protecting me due to its sturdiness of the frame and cab compartment. but I also fear the failed airbag deployment as well as lack of anti-lock even attempting to help.

Would you consider replacing the truck with the same? i have been questioning this since I arrived back home alive. (after many prayers and thanks)

There are 2 picture sections, mine and of the fire department to show a majority of the scene. No registration required to view.

*DEAD GALLERY LINKS REMOVED*

Please do not comment in regards to "too fast for conditions", "shouldnt have been following so close", etc. It was already determined that the incident was ice related and there was no fault of myself, or the drivers behind or beside me. This is more of an information gathering quest, as well as to provide information into the sturdiness of the 4500/5500 chassis, for which I am still proud to have owned since it DID save my life.

http://www.autoexpeditor.com/cumminsforum/IMG00016.jpghttp://www.autoexpeditor.com/cumminsforum/IMG00024.jpg

http://www.autoexpeditor.com/cumminsforum/IMG00026.jpghttp://www.autoexpeditor.com/cumminsforum/IMG00031.jpg

The day started like this...
http://www.autoexpeditor.com/cumminsforum/IMG00009.jpg

Originally Posted by Whit (Post 713823)

insufficient impact:s::s::s: