When two women were traveling near Washington County Pennsylvania it is likely one of the last things they were worried about was a tractor trailer crossing the median. Unfortunately, that is exactly what they were faced with, and the driver's error caused a fatal motor vehicle accident.

We first wrote about this accident late last month and now have more information to share potentially regarding its cause. When an accident like this happens, many minds immediately go to alcohol or other substances that potentially impair driving, but nothing like this has been named as a cause of the crash. While some are speculating that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, his only explanation is that his "brain shut off" and he lost focus and control of the vehicle.

While this case has led to a criminal case, with the driver being charged with homicide via a vehicle, it is important to note the importance of filing a wrongful death suit as well. If the driver is deemed a danger to society, a judge may order an appropriate sentence, but the loss that the victims' families suffer will not be addressed in the criminal case.

As the case moves forward, many questions will likely be asked. Whether the driver fell asleep or lost his ability to pay proper attention to the road, it leads one to wonder whether he was someone who should be driving at all, let alone driving a large vehicle. There are a number of reasons why a person may become an unsafe driver, including medical reasons, and it is up to each person to make sure they are rested and ready to pay attention whenever they take a vehicle on the road.

What are your thoughts on the reason the truck driver supplied for the crash?

Source: KDKA, "Tractor Trailer Driver: My Brain Shut Off," Nov. 28, 2012