Tragic Toll Booth Collision: New Evidence Emerges

Recent reports confirm that video footage from Egnatia Road cameras has shed light on the fatal car accident at the Polymylos tolls, which claimed the lives of two individuals. The investigation is now heavily focused on the actions of a 38-year-old truck driver and the prevailing conditions at the time of the incident.

Conflicting accounts and the Role of Speed

Eyewitness accounts suggest the truck was traveling at a higher than permitted speed upon approaching the toll station. This claim is central to the prosecution’s case of risky driving. However, the truck driver contends that dense fog severely limited visibility, and he onyl saw a car positioned horizontally across the lanes at the last moment. he claims he swerved to avoid the vehicle, resulting in the collision.

The 38-year-old reportedly claimed that the accident occurred when in the dense fog he saw a car at the toll station being horizontal on the asphalt and had reverse and then turned the wheel of the truck to the left to avoid it and so it happened.

Determining the truck’s actual speed at the time of impact is crucial. A specialized expert has been designated to analyze the video footage and other available data to ascertain the vehicle’s velocity amidst the dense fog.This analysis will be pivotal in determining culpability.

Video Evidence and Reconstruction of Events

The video evidence appears to corroborate the initial account of the first vehicle’s driver,indicating that the toll barrier was open,and the vehicle slowed down to proceed. The car carrying the Swiss couple followed, and then the truck approached.Investigators are working to establish a precise timeline and sequence of events leading up to the collision.

Notably, the videos indicate that no other vehicles were present between the first car and the truck, dismissing earlier speculation.The driver of the first car was Ukrainian.

Legal Ramifications and Charges

The 38-year-old truck driver faces serious charges, including dangerous driving resulting in death, negligent homicide, serial bodily harm, and negligence. The severity of these charges reflects the gravity of the incident and the potential consequences for the accused.

Fog-Related Accidents: A Persistent Problem

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing dangers posed by reduced visibility due to fog, notably on highways and at toll plazas. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fog-related accidents account for thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. In 2023 alone, over 38,000 crashes were attributed to fog, resulting in over 600 deaths. This underscores the need for enhanced safety measures and driver awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks associated with driving in foggy conditions.