Car Collides with Log Truck Wednesday on Hwy 96 South

February 18, 2015 - Law enforcement and emergency responders were dispatched to a log truck and car collision on U.S. Hwy 96 South near the intersection of CR 1015 Wednesday evening, February 18, 2015.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Jade LaVergne, a red 1984 Peterbilt truck tractor driven by Cody Bryan, age 28 of Center, was hauling an empty log trailer southbound on U.S. Hwy 96 and slowed to a stop to turn onto CR 1015 when a white 2006 Chrysler 300, also southbound, failed to control speed.

The driver of the Chrysler, Juan Diaz, Jr, age 19 of San Augustine, slammed on his brakes leaving marks on the roadway and attempted to avoid a collision by passing on the right; however, the car struck the rear right side of the trailer with its front driver's side. The Chrysler received major damage to its front and came to rest partially in the roadway. The log truck received only minor damage but remained where it was until after law enforcement arrived on scene and the driver then pulled it out of the roadway onto CR 1015.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Department was first on scene to evaluate the crash scene and requested the assistance of the Center Fire Department to assist with traffic control. ACE EMS responded to the crash but no one required transport. Diaz was cited for failure to control speed.