Bowling Green, KY — March 13, 2025, Enma Valles was injured in a truck accident at about 3 p.m. on Interstate 165.

Authorities said a 2007 Honda Pilot was entering the interstate from Russellville Road/U.S. Route 68 when it crossed into oncoming traffic for an unknown reason before being hit by a semi-truck.

Honda driver Enma Valles, 54, of Bowling Green was flown to a local hospital with unspecified injuries, according to authorities.

No other injuries were reported.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Warren County crash at this time. The accident is still being investigated.

Commentary

Crashes where a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic raise serious concerns about driver control, roadway design, and whether external factors contributed to the loss of lane position. In this case, reports indicate that a Honda Pilot entered Interstate 165 from Russellville Road but, for unknown reasons, crossed into oncoming traffic and was hit by a semi-truck. A full investigation should determine whether this was due to driver error, mechanical failure or another contributing factor.

One of the most important questions investigators should answer is why the Honda crossed into opposing lanes. Did the vehicle experience a mechanical issue, such as a steering or brake failure? Reviewing black box data, vehicle inspections and phone records will be critical in understanding whether this was a case of inattention, impairment or a sudden loss of control.

Another key factor is whether road design played a role. Some highway entrance ramps require sharp turns or quick merges into fast-moving traffic, which can create a risk of overcorrection or lane drift. Was the entrance ramp properly marked and designed to prevent unintended lane departures? If the ramp had a sharp curve, missing signage or an unclear merge point, that could have contributed to the driver’s loss of control.

Speed and road conditions should also be examined. If the vehicle was moving too fast while merging, did that make it harder for the driver to maintain control? Was there heavy traffic that may have caused sudden movements? If environmental or traffic conditions played a role, investigators should determine whether additional safety measures, such as barriers or improved signage, could prevent similar incidents.

At this stage, there isn’t enough public information to determine exactly what led to this crash. But if authorities focus only on the impact without investigating why the Honda veered into oncoming traffic, they risk missing key details. A thorough investigation should take all possible factors into account to ensure a full understanding of what went wrong and whether safety improvements are needed at this interstate entrance.