Guernsey County, OH — January 27, 2025, Lewis Johnson was killed in a truck accident at about 9:30 p.m. on Interstate 70 near mile marker 178.

Authorities said a 2018 Freightliner semi-truck was parked on the right side of the highway when it was hit by a 2025 International box truck. The driver was stepping out of the stopped truck at the time of the crash.

Freightliner driver Lewis Johnson, 45, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities. The other driver was not injured.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary

When a crash involves a stopped semi-truck on the side of the highway, a key question is whether the truck was parked safely and following regulations. The crash in Guernsey County raises several important legal and investigative concerns.

One issue investigators must examine is why the box truck struck the stopped semi-truck. Was the driver distracted, fatigued or impaired at the time of the crash? Reviewing dashcam footage, GPS data and cell phone records could provide answers. It’s also possible that poor visibility, road conditions or even the position of the parked truck contributed to the collision.

Additionally, investigators should look at why the Freightliner driver was stopped at that moment. If the truck had a mechanical issue, was it something that should have been addressed before the trip began? These are important details in understanding the circumstances leading to the crash.

Collisions like this highlight the importance of a thorough investigation that goes beyond the immediate crash scene. Authorities must determine not just how the crash happened, but whether the box truck driver or the trucking companies involved failed to follow safety protocols that could have prevented it.