A Paoli bridge accident that has a lot to do with mathematics is making headlines. Despite a clear sign saying No Large Trucks, the driver of a semi-trailer carrying 43,000 pounds of bottled water attempted to cross the Paoli bridge in Paoli, Indiana prompting it to collapse.
The famous Paoli bridge in the tiny town of Paoli in Indiana has been destroyed by a truck, whose driver is not a big fan of road signs. On Friday, at around 12 PM, the female driver of a 2015 Volvo semi-truck, who ignored the road signs that read No Large Trucks and Restricted Weight Bridge 6 Tons – drove through the Paoli bridge.
According to Orange County Indiana Law Enforcement, the driver, a 23-year-old Indiana woman named Mary Lambright, was transporting 43,000 pounds or 21.5 tons of bottled water in the trailer. The semi-truck, which was attached to a 53-foot box trailer, ripped open when Lambright crossed the bridge because it was taller than the clearance height. The added weight caused the bridge to collapse.
It is not yet known how much money will be necessary to repair the historic iron bridge, which was built in 1880 by the Cleveland Bridge & Iron Company. Lambright, of Fredericksburg, and her 17-year-old cousin/passenger, escaped the accident unharmed. Lambright, who received her Commercial Driver’s License endorsement about eight months ago and works for Louisville Logistics, has been hit by a list of charges.
Lambright was cited for reckless operation of a tractor-trailer, disregarding a traffic control device, and having an overweight semi on a posted bridge. The truck was taken away from the scene and will be inspected by Indiana State Police. Lambright told police that she was heading to the parking lot of the Paoli Wal-Mart, but missed the exit.
After several attempts to turn the truck around in various locations nearby, she decided to drive it across the bridge over Lick Creek. The young woman, who should have gotten herself a good old-fashionned calculator for Christmas, went on to reveal to authorities that she had driven over the bridge before in her own car and was fully aware of the 6-ton weight limitation. However, she had no idea that when converted, her truck was transporting over 21 tons of water.
The Paoli bridge accident has many blasting the company for hiring such a young and inexperienced driver. It also sparked a debate about women being bad drivers and being terrible at math in some corners.
What are your thoughts on the Paoli bridge accident?
