Table of Contents
In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a FedEx truck driver has been accused of causing a fatal crash that claimed the lives of a former Long Island track star and his two children. The driver, Santos Valentin, 30, is facing serious charges after allegedly using his phone multiple times before the collision.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of distracted driving, particularly in the trucking industry.
The incident and its aftermath
On July 20, 2024, Valentin’s FedEx tractor-trailer collided with a Honda Civic carrying Donnell Hickson, 43, his son Decir, 18, and his 11-year-old daughter Kyla on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
The impact was so severe that both vehicles were pushed off the road, with the delivery truck landing on top of the car. Hickson and his children were pronounced dead at the scene, while Valentin was hospitalized but survived the crash.
Authorities have revealed that Valentin was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and claimed that the Civic “came out of nowhere.” However, dash camera footage from the FedEx truck tells a different story. Prosecutors allege that Valentin was distracted by his phone, looking down or glancing at it 25 times in the moments leading up to the crash.
This footage has raised serious questions about the responsibilities of truck drivers and the consequences of distracted driving.
The impact of distracted driving
Distracted driving is a growing concern on our roads, especially among commercial drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times.
For truck drivers, who operate large vehicles that can cause significant damage in an accident, the stakes are even higher. The tragic loss of Hickson and his children underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and awareness campaigns aimed at preventing distracted driving.
Valentin’s case is not an isolated incident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2020 alone. As technology continues to evolve, so do the distractions that drivers face. It is crucial for trucking companies to implement comprehensive training programs that emphasize the importance of staying focused on the road and the potential consequences of distractions.
Community response and support
The community has rallied around the family of Donnell Hickson, with a crowdfunding page set up to support his wife, Keisha, and his mother, Martinique. Hickson was remembered as a vibrant individual who brought joy to those around him. His accomplishments as an All-American triple jumper and his aspirations for his children highlight the profound loss felt by many.
As the investigation continues and Valentin faces charges of homicide by vehicle, the incident serves as a wake-up call for all drivers, especially those in the trucking industry. It is essential to prioritize safety and make conscious choices behind the wheel. The lives lost in this tragic accident should not be in vain; they must inspire change and foster a culture of responsibility on our roads.
