A log truck driver was killed in Louisiana yesterday when he “aggressively applied his brakes” to avoid hitting a passenger vehicle, causing his load to slide forward through the cab of this truck.
Motorist’s Sudden Turn Forces Trucker To Slam On Brakes
The crash happened around 3 p.m. on Highway 10 near Franklinton.
According to the Louisiana State Patrol, 30 year old truck driver Christopher Rex Blansett was hauling logs east on the highway. He approached a slow moving SUV driven by 36 year old April Bertoniere from behind.
Troopers say that the SUV slowed and edged toward the shoulder of the highway. Blansett steered his truck into the westbound lane to pass the SUV when it suddenly turned left from the shoulder to enter a private driveway.
Shifting Logs Fatally Injured Truck Driver
Police say Blansett slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting the SUV, causing the logs to shift, slide forward, and enter the cab.
Blansett was pronounced dead at the scene.
Beroniere was not injured.
Alcohol is not thought to be a factor in the incident.
Police are still investigating the crash.
In a news release about the crash, Trooper Dustin Dwight implored drivers to make good driving decisions:
“Safe decisions remain one of the most important factors in protecting yourself from being involved in a crash. The decisions you make could not only affect you, but others as well. Speed, carelessness, impairment, and distractions are all the product of poor decisions behind the wheel. Please, speak to your loved ones about the importance of safe decisions. The conversation you have today could be all the difference tomorrow.“