Mixed Feelings... (not really)
#1
02-24-2011, 12:23 PM
Mixed Feelings... (not really)
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.
The day started like this...
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.
The day started like this...
---AutoMerged DoublePost---
A year has passed. I hit the anniversary date with a few shots of bourbon.
But as far as an update goes... I've nearly fully recovered. But still in a crappy position after the insurance company and medical bills took hold.
I've started a little project to hopefully replace the truck. I dunno, maybe it'll work... I've seen crazier things work out on the internet.
TrailerDoodle - Your Graffiti On-The-Go
Last edited by TonyUFN; 02-24-2011 at 01:13 PM. Reason: dead gallery link removed
#2
02-24-2011, 12:38 PM
thats a hell of a story, you are very lucky to be alive, I have 17 years of fire dept time and your wreck is one of those amazing ones for sure
So did anything become of the airbags not deploying, seams there could have been a lawsuit there bud, maybe pay all the medical anyway, had it deployed yer bottomm lip would have been fine.
are you sure you want to go back into the same biz when you heal, are you gonna be able to drive again without total freakout
So did anything become of the airbags not deploying, seams there could have been a lawsuit there bud, maybe pay all the medical anyway, had it deployed yer bottomm lip would have been fine.
are you sure you want to go back into the same biz when you heal, are you gonna be able to drive again without total freakout
#3
02-24-2011, 12:41 PM
Oh absolutely. I've unofficially taken a short trip in a buddy's truck just to make sure. In the Chicago metro area no less. All was fine.
As far as the airbag thing... unless you die and take some of your own passengers with you, don't plan on finding a lawyer. And the line dodge came back with was 'impact was of the type probably insufficient to trigger deployment'. hmm.
To answer your question, all paths are dead... Thats the reason to risk "pink pantyhose"(or worse) advertisements or "this driver sucks" on the side of my trailer
As far as the airbag thing... unless you die and take some of your own passengers with you, don't plan on finding a lawyer. And the line dodge came back with was 'impact was of the type probably insufficient to trigger deployment'. hmm.
To answer your question, all paths are dead... Thats the reason to risk "pink pantyhose"(or worse) advertisements or "this driver sucks" on the side of my trailer
#5
02-24-2011, 01:00 PM
Diesel Bomber
#7
02-24-2011, 05:00 PM
Diesel Bomber
#9
02-24-2011, 10:39 PM
Diesel Bomber
#10
02-25-2011, 07:58 AM
Diesel Bomber
I wonder if it's a bumper height issue that didn't trigger the airbags. It's hard to tell by the pictures but your bumper looks like it tipped towards the rear rather than pushing straight back which would of triggered the air bags.
I would get the same make and model truck, it looks like it crumpled up the way it should to absorb all the energy of the crash and your alive.
I would get the same make and model truck, it looks like it crumpled up the way it should to absorb all the energy of the crash and your alive.
