Lois John, 77, also known as “Granny,” is on life support at Grady Memorial Hospital after she was struck by a tractor-trailer last night. Ms. Johnson was crossing Virginia Avenue near Harrison Road in Atlanta when the tractor-trailer attempted a left turn, striking her with its left bumper and running her over.
The tractor-trailer driver, who stated he did not know he hit anyone, left the scene but returned after receiving a phone call with details of what occurred.
Witnesses told investigators that Ms. Johnson was jaywalking when she was struck.
Accident involving tractor-trailers often lead to serious personal injury and even death. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act is very specific as to what is required by the trucking industry and its employees. Failure by companies and drivers to comply with these rules and regulations demonstrates a complete disregard to the consequences.
Often tractor-trailer collisions are a result of the following:
- Driver Fatigue
- Driver under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Aggressive Driving/Tailgating or Speeding
- Improper loading or weight distribution
- Illegal Schedules/Illegal Logbooks
- Improper Maintenance and safety equipment
- Negligent hiring and training
- Unqualified drivers
In Ms. Johnson’s case, it appears that the driver may have not seen her crossing the roadway. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Johnson and her family.