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Nicolas Gamez Santana (60) has died after his tractor and trailer were struck by a semi. The crash happened on January 16, 2023 at approximately 6:15 p.m. on State HIghway 78 near FM 1396 in Bonham, TX. According to reports, a 2021 Kubota Tractor was towing a homemade trailer southbound on State Highway 78. The driver, NIcolas Gamez Santana had slowed down to make a left turn. At that time, a Peterbilt towing trailer, driven by William Bailey Isham (65), was traveling behind the tractor pulling a trailer. The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Isham struck the back of the trailer from behind because he did not see it. The impact caused the tractor to roll over and the driver was ejected. Mr. Santana was pronounced dead at the scene, but Mr. Isham did not report any injuries at the time of the accident. Officials say the investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information at this time.
COMMENTARY
Dusk can be one of the most dangerous times of day to drive. According to the National Safety Council, during October – March of 2020, fatal crashes peaked between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:59 p.m. Experts believe that the reason for this can be attributed to three causes: the eye needing to adjust to lighting as the sun sets, fatigue while driving home at the end of the day, and congested roadways make a longer drive for those eager to get home. Did that have any impact on this collision? It’s impossible to say until the details from the crash are released. We do know that the preliminary investigation of this crash indicates an improperly marked vehicle might be a cause of this accident, but investigators need to consider all the evidence to determine how much if any other factors may have played a role in this crash.
