Tractor Trailer Backing Maneuver Injures Driver on Veterans Memorial Highway
A 41-year-old Hauppauge man was seriously injured when his sedan struck a tractor trailer that was backing into a loading dock on Veterans Memorial Highway in Bohemia on Jan. 8. Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives say the collision highlights risks posed when commercial vehicles block traffic for loading operations and investigators are seeking witnesses.
Suffolk County Police report that a collision on the evening of Jan. 8 left one motorist with serious injuries after his vehicle struck a commercial tractor trailer that was attempting to back into a loading dock on Veterans Memorial Highway in Bohemia.
At 8:42 p.m., Jonathan Pinto, 34, of Philadelphia, was driving a 2020 International tractor trailer and was backing southbound into the loading dock at 3030 Veterans Memorial Highway. Police said the truck was blocking all lanes of traffic with its hazard lights on when a 2008 Chevrolet sedan traveling eastbound in the right lane struck the trailer.
The sedan’s driver, Brian Yost, 41, of Hauppauge, was airlifted by Police Helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Pinto was not injured. The Chevrolet was impounded for a safety check as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Motor Carrier Unit conducted a post-crash inspection and subsequently released the tractor trailer back to the owner. Fifth Squad detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 631-854-8552.
Beyond the immediate facts of the crash, the incident raises local safety and operational questions for commercial deliveries on busy county roadways. Backing maneuvers that block traffic create potential hazards for other motorists and can complicate emergency response when collisions occur. For residents who frequently travel Veterans Memorial Highway, the crash underscores the importance of caution near commercial loading areas and when navigating around stopped large vehicles.
Police have not released further details about fault or charges as the investigation remains open. Local businesses and delivery operators who perform roadside loading should be aware of the collision’s risks and consider measures that minimize lane blockage and exposure to passing traffic.
Anyone with dashcam footage, cellphone video, or information that could assist investigators is asked to contact Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives at 631-854-8552.
Sources:
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip
