Local

Tractor-trailer driver cited after trooper, construction worker injured in Union Co. crash

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating after a violent crash in Union County landed a trooper and a construction worker in the hospital late Tuesday night.

The crash happened just after 11 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of the Monroe Expressway near Hemby Bridge.

Troopers said the driver of a tractor-trailer fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into three vehicles including a state trooper's car.

Officials said the tractor-trailer hit a construction truck, then the trailer separated, and hit a trooper's patrol car. The cruiser slammed into another construction truck and overturned.

The trooper and a construction worker were not seriously hurt in the crash. Authorities said both were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Troopers said they cited the driver of the tractor-trailer with reckless driving.

Channel 9 reported on the federal requirements for truckers put in place in December 2017 to prevent drowsy driving.

[PAST COVERAGE: New federal law requires truck drivers to use electronic monitoring systems]

Large trucks must have an electronic logging device, which records a driver’s hours and whether they’ve gone over the maximum time they’re allowed to drive.

Many trying to follow the rules are parking but have limited space and often fill up the shoulders of interstate ramps around Charlotte.

Troopers are still investigating Tuesday night’s crash and the number of hours this driver logged before nodding off.