Driver of tractor trailer avoids collision but damages rig in process

6 years ago

AMITY, Maine — The driver of a tractor trailer avoided striking a pickup truck in the road, but the big rig was damaged when it jackknifed across U.S. Route 1 in Amity on Thursday morning. 

Aroostook County Chief Deputy Sheriff Shawn Gillen said in a written statement Thursday that the crash occurred just before 9:25 a.m. when Donald Lloyd, 56, of Topsfield, was driving his 2006 Western Star tractor trailer northbound on the roadway.

The driver of a tractor trailer avoided striking a pickup truck in the road, but the big rig was damaged when it jackknifed across U.S. Route 1 in Amity on Thursday, Feb. 8. (Courtesy of Aroostook County Sheriffs Office)

Gillen said that Lloyd saw a 1999 Ford pickup being driven by 60-year-old Joseph Petroski, who was using it to plow snow across Route 1 from his residence.

Petroski told the investigating officer, Deputy Alishia Ledger, that he did not see the tractor trailer coming due to a curve in the roadway. Lloyd told her he managed to stop and avoid hitting the pickup, but in the process, the tractor trailer jackknifed across the roadway. This caused damage to the passenger side of the tractor trailer and the trailer box, according to Gillen.

Both men were wearing their seatbelts, and no one was injured.

The tractor trailer was towed from the scene due to the extensive damage.  Petroski’s vehicle was not damaged, Gillen said.