Ep 4. Collision

The Weekly season 1 episode 4 titled 'Collision' brings yet another impactful story that sheds light on a problem that has been swept under the rug for far too long. The episode starts with a gut-wrenching look at a car crash caused by an 18-wheeler and the aftermath that befell the victim's family.

A family man named Dwight Hooper, a 41-year-old father of six, was driving his car when the 18-wheeler hit him from behind. The impact was so devastating that it made his car spin and crash into another vehicle. Dwight died on the spot, leaving his family in shock and grief. However, the tragedy didn't stop there. It turned out that the truck driver was under the influence of methamphetamine and had been driving for 33 hours straight. The driver was charged with second-degree murder, and the company he worked for was sued for wrongful death.

This episode explores the complex legal battle that ensued after Dwight's death and the intricate web of laws, liability, and fraud that are often hidden behind the trucking industry. It highlights the harsh reality that trucking companies often prioritize profits over safety, putting both their drivers and other motorists at risk.

The Weekly's investigative team delves deeper into the subject and finds that there are over 15 million commercial trucks in the United States, and they are involved in over 450,000 accidents annually, causing an average of 5,000 deaths. It uncovers statistics and opinions from experts and the victims' families, who urge the lawmakers to enforce stronger regulations on the industry to prevent further tragedies.

Moreover, the episode also takes a closer look at the issue of fatigue among truck drivers, a significant contributing factor to many accidents. The Weekly team interviews a former truck driver who shares his experiences of working 18 hour days and not being able to take necessary breaks due to the company's demands. The episode points out that while the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has laid out rules limiting the number of hours drivers can be on the road, some companies use fraudulent means to dodge those rules.

All in all, The Weekly season 1 episode 4, 'Collision,' is a wake-up call for all of us to take notice of the human cost of ignoring the trucking industry's problems. The episode demands that lawmakers create and enforce stricter regulations to prevent further loss of life on America's roads.