Inattention of Truck Driver Cause of Accident that Killed 10
A June 26 wreck in northeastern Oklahoma is being investigated. The crash killed 10 people. Donald L. Creed, a truck driver, apparently caused the wreck because of inattention to the road.
Creed had driven for 10 hours straight before the crash, but he did not exceed the federal daily driving limit. At the scene Creed “stated that vehicles had driven underneath him while he was parked” according to the report. Creed had no visual obstructions for at least 2,400 feet before the accident. The cars were stopped because of an earlier wreck.
The report stated that immediately following the wreck “Creed, although injured, was able to walk and negotiate turns and have no indications of having any visual problems. He would turn his head and look at you when spoken to or when speaking.”
The inquiry found that there was no attempt to brake or take evasive action by Creed and there are no apparent problems with his brakes or steering. There is “strong evidence” that Creed was using cruise control driving an 18-wheeler about 69.5 to 71 mph for about 4.5 minutes prior to the accident.
Creed has a clean driving record and had his commercial driver’s license renewed in April. The company Creed drove for, Associated Wholesale Grocers, did not comment. Unless Creed was driving under the influence, he will most likely face misdemeanor charges of negligent homicide, which carries up to one year of prison for each count according to a County District Attorney.