Police Say Truck Driver Charged in Deadly I-81 Crash Near Carlisle Told Troopers of Undisclosed Narcolepsy
Truckers who followed last week's deadly seven-vehicle chain reaction crash on Interstate 81 near Carlisle, Pa., have new details from police. The man charged in the crash was driving a tractor-trailer, and he told troopers he has narcolepsy that he did not disclose, according to a police affidavit reported by PennLive on Monday, Oct. 26.
The crash happened Friday morning, Oct. 23, on I-81 northbound in Cumberland County. One person died, and the interstate was closed for hours. Big Rig Daily's earlier story is here: I-81 Cumberland County crash charge.
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Correction: Big Rig Daily's earlier story described the charged driver's vehicle as a car, based on early reports. PennLive reports, citing the affidavit, that he was driving a tractor-trailer, and WGAL reports the same, citing State Police.
What police say in the affidavit
According to the affidavit, as reported by PennLive:
- The driver told troopers he was diagnosed with narcolepsy in 2008 and did not disclose it, so he could keep his commercial driver's license.
- Police say he was traveling 65 to 70 mph in a 55 mph zone.
- Police say a phone holder blocked part of his view.
- Police say the truck's annual inspection had expired in August.
The charges
The charges include vehicular homicide, PennLive reported. He is being held on $150,000 bail, and a preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 4.
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These are charges, not convictions, and the case has not been decided in court. Big Rig Daily is not naming the driver.
What a DOT medical card covers
Most interstate truck drivers need a DOT physical and a current medical certificate. The federal physical standards are in 49 CFR 391.41, and the exam must be done by a medical examiner listed on FMCSA's National Registry. A medical card is valid for up to 24 months, and an examiner can issue one for a shorter time to monitor a condition.
More is in the Big Rig Daily guide to DOT physical and medical card basics, and the hours of service rules explained guide covers driving limits and required breaks.
A question for readers
Truck drivers, what helps you stay alert on long runs, and when do you decide it is time to pull over?
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Sources
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