A truck driver from Ohio was killed Saturday night on Interstate 40 in Johnson County, Arkansas. According to police reports the trucker was westbound on I-40 at the 52-mile marker when his 2007 Volvo rig crossed the median and hit a 2002 Kenworth rig head-on. News reports say the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel or may have suffered a heart attack.

Guys and gals, when you feel you're getting sleepy pull into a rest area or truck stop and get some sleep and take care of yourself! A family in Ohio has lost a husband-father-brother-or grandfather in this tragedy which could have been averted.

It's one thing to have a stroke, or heart attack, etc.. Nothing you can do about that.

Sleepy, on the other hand;no excuse. If I get so tired that I start fighting it, I stop, and walk around.
There is no reason why anyone has to push themselves, till they fall asleep at the wheel.
I feel sorry for both drivers, but it's common sense. If you get sleepy, find a place to park, and hit the hay.

About 50 miles earlier, he passed a HUGE truck parking area followed shortly by a large truckstop. I HOPE it wasn't due to lack of sleep.

Golfhobo, I saw what was left of that Volvo 780 awhile ago (the wrecker yard is about 1/4 mile up the highway from where I live) and I'm just sick to my stomach. That poor guy never knew what happened. IF he had only pulled into one of those truck stops 50 miles east in Russellville, or IF he had not pushed himself this wouldn't have happened. Even though I'm not driving now whenever something like this happens to a brother or sister trucker it hurts like hell. Pray for his family.

Yeah, I forgot about the ones in Russellville. They are ALSO before mm 52.

Remember, we don't know the facts yet. If it was a heart attack or stroke, he might not really have been at fault. And, if so... he probably DIDN'T know what happened! Some things can't be helped! However, if he WAS "pushing" his logs and time, and passed by all that COFFEE and truck parking, he was a FOOL! A 15 minute nap has been PROVEN to restore a certain limit of awareness for a driver. Even getting out to get the coffee has a "restorative" effect!

I'm just glad the OTHER driver wasn't killed. And I'm glad it wasn't a family in a 4 wheeler, with less metal structure to protect them, that he hit!

Do you have a link to any local news reports?

Midnight Flyer, you KNOW I'm not good with praying. But, like you... I feel the "force" around all of us truckers (present AND past.) We ARE a "brotherhood" and I consider myself "blessed" to be included... especially by ones like you. I WILL spend some dedicated time in thought about the bereaved family. As I do for you and yours. (Everytime I see you post, it gives me some relief.)

Hobo

The Force will be with you, always.