Man Struck and Killed by Tractor-trailer while Outside Disabled Car

According to PennLive, a man standing near his disabled car on the highway died after being hit by a semi in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on Friday night.

Roadway Conditions Snowy, Icy

Wilby Henriquez-Vazquez, 22, was traveling east on Interstate 78 near Lenhartsville when the fatal crash occurred. Henriquez-Vazquez had pulled his car onto the shoulder due to a previous accident and was outside his vehicle at around 11:55 p.m. local time.

Officials say Henriquez-Vazquez was hit by a tractor-trailer traveling the same direction after it lost control and jackknifed. According to PennLive, the truck slammed into the disabled car before striking and killing Henriquez-Vazquez.

PennLive reports that conditions were snowy and icy and the time of the wreck, potentially causing the tractor-trailer driver to lose control.

Information on Trucking Accidents

The following information regarding large-truck crashes is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• In 2014, 3,903 people died in crashes involving large trucks.
  • 10 percent of these fatalities were nonoccupants, such as pedestrians or bicyclists.
• An estimated 111,000 people sustained injuries in crashes involving large trucks in 2014.
• In 2014, large trucks accounted for eight percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes.