Deadly Wreck Caused by Debris Falling From Truck

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Jennifer Green, 49, was killed Wednesday when debris fell from an overturned tractor trailer and landed on her car. The truck had overturned on the overpass ramp and dumped some of its load (constuction debris and tree roots) on the highway below, smashing into Jennifer Green's minivan. The poorly designed ramp and drivers' excessive speeds have created a serious problem here, according to FDOT spokeswoman Barbara Kelleher:

''I see people zipping around that curve all the time,'' FDOT spokeswoman Barbara Kelleher said Thursday. ``There are a number of signs there that alert people to the speed limit and the shifting-load hazard for trucks.''

The Miami Herald reports that the truck driver, 30 year old Paul Stephen, was issued his Class A Drivers Licenses just a few months ago and that charges are pending as a result of the accident. The State of Florida recently relaxed some of the rules governing the operation of tractor trailers on Florida highways, but it's not clear whether that was a factor in this accident. The experience of the driver, the rate of speed, the design of the ramp, and the way the truck was loaded may have all contributed to this horrific car accident. This sad event highlights the dangers facing Miami drivers, as more and more people are hurt or killed by accidents involving trucks and cars on our increasingly congested south Florida highways.

Our firm sends our condolences to the family and friends of Jennifer Green and hopes that all will remember to drive safely though the holiday season.