SUV/Trailer Accident

[MACK C-85]

This accident occurred fairly close to my home. There were several people injured, including children, but fortunately the injuries all seem to be minor. Prayers for a quick recovery to all.

What I found interesting was the tow vehicle and trailer, while still inline, ended up on different sides. The tow vehicle is on the passenger side, while the trailer is on the drivers side. Just as an FYI, both vehicles are now faced against traffic. Any thoughts on how this might occur?

Mack

[EMD_Driver]

Not sure how they ended up that way, but I'm sure their dealer assured them they could tow it.

[MACK C-85]

but I'm sure their dealer assured them they could tow it.

Gary,

I thought that too, but given that the Maroon Police Vehicle to the right is either a Blazer (County PD) or an Explorer (State PD), the tow vehicle is probably either an Expedition or a Suburban.

I wish the picture was a little closer.

[Poppy & Nana]

Didn't work.....sorry!

[jim44646]

My guess Durango

[bunjin]

If you look close enough there is evidence that the TV & trailer were traveling in the opposite direction they are now. Some of the rescue vehicles is blocking some of the evidence.

I believe the trailer "whipped" around and laid down on its side first causing the TV to twist over the other side.

Just what could have cause the first action to happen??? the result IMO cause driver to over react.

No Hensley Arrow hitch.....or that matter any WD hitch.

Obviously just speculation on my part.

[Gene]

Interesting skid marks. I wonder if the tail started wagging the dog, the tow vehicle hit the brakes and no or weak brakes on the trailer caused it to take the lead as the whole thing slid sideways. A trailer going sideways would tend to roll before the car.

Just a guess on my part.

[bunjin]

Originally Posted by Gene

Interesting skid marks. I wonder if the tail started wagging the dog, the tow vehicle hit the brakes and no or weak brakes on the trailer caused it to take the lead as the whole thing slid sideways. A trailer going sideways would tend to roll before the car.

Just a guess on my part.

I was thinking the same thing.

The other thought I had was if the combo were in the fast lane and the trailer got onto the shoulder grass and the driver cut to the right too fast

[FiveORacing]

Originally Posted by bunjin

If you look close enough there is evidence that the TV & trailer were traveling in the opposite direction they are now. Some of the rescue vehicles is blocking some of the evidence.

I believe the trailer "whipped" around and laid down on its side first causing the TV to twist over the other side.

Just what could have cause the first action to happen??? the result IMO cause driver to over react.

No Hensley Arrow hitch.....or that matter any WD hitch.

Obviously just speculation on my part.

I'm a retired Accident Reconstructionist and I think you nailed it. The trailer for whatever reason (but likely driver input for some reason, vehicle failure or avoidance) rotated clockwise around the truck and began to roll over due to a high cg. The truck gets pulled around backwards (180 degrees) by the inertia of the trailer (which was now beginning to layover on it's left side), the trucks tires got traction as it was whipped around by it own inertia (270 degrees) and flipped onto it's right side. Once tires were off the ground, friction was minimal and it slid to a stop. It probably would have rotated more or even folded together except the guardrail straightened it out.

[hiller64]

This looks similar to an accident I saw on I 81over in the valley some years ago. A Ford Van was towing a what must have been a 32 foot TT at what seemed to me a high rate of speed. He passed me and I was going 65. About 50 miles down the road he had laid the entire rig over in the median all wheels up and now headed North bound. State Police where on scene with plenty of folks stopping to help. I don't think he had any anti-sway control but I could not be sure. One thing for sure he was driving way to fast. I'll be this guy in Maryland was doing the same.

[JohnB]

These events are always heart wrenching. I pray the folks came out of it OK.

Also is to learn from these tragic events for issues with ones own rig, towing habits and or towing knowledge. If any SOC member needs help on trailer towing, hitch setup, how do I get rid of that little wiggle I have, or what do I do if this thing starts to go out of control, just ask.

There is no shame or any question too simple to not ask here on SOC when it relates to anything towing a camper. Ask away.

Safe towing to all

John

[hiller64]

Thanks John

I had a towing night mare about 7 years ago. We had recently picked up our 2499 and were towing up to the Skyline Drive National Park for a long week-end. There is a long up-hill grade on US 211 with a number of very tight turns as you approach the entrance to the Park. On one of the sharp uphill turns the back end of the truck, my 2001 Tundra, lifted and the rear of the truck and the front of the trailer headed into the side of the mountain. A jack knife situation if there ever was one. I got off the gas and the rear wheels caught a bit of traction and we did not plow into the side of the mountain. I am forever grateful for that bit of luck.
I have often thought of that day and how I was caught so un-aware. I was clearly going too fast for the road, the center of gravity of the trailer shifted to the rear of the trailer shifting weight off the tongue, while the weight distribution system and the short wheel base and light rear end of the Tundra all worked to cause the rear axle to unload and the rear wheels to loose traction.
The message, don’t try and repeal the laws of Physics

[Gene]

That is an important point about the center of gravity shifting and changing the effective tongue weight. Thanks for the reminder.