Tractor Trailer Driver Cited in Garbage-Filled Cherokee Wreck

The driver of a tractor trailer that tipped over and dumped its garbage onto a minivan at a Cherokee County intersection has been cited for various traffic violations in relation to the accident.

Ronnie Lee Crane, 46, was cited by the Georgia State Patrol for driving too fast for conditions, following too closely and making an improper turn in the wreck, which occurred around 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25.

Crane was behind wheel of the garbage-hauling tractor trailer, which was traveling eastbound on Highway 20/Cumming Highway, and tried to make a right turn onto Union Hill Road when it overturned on top of a 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan, said Georgia State Patrol spokesperson Franka Young.

The truck, which was “traveling too fast to make the turn,” covered the minivan, which was traveling northbound on Union Hill Road, Young stated.

According to a traffic crash report released by the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Crane told the responding trooper that an “unknown vehicle” abruptly stopped as the traffic signal at the intersection changed from green to yellow. Crane told the trooper he ”attempted to turn right onto Union Hill Road in order to avoid striking the unknown vehicle in the rear.”

“He stated that as he was attempted to slow and make the turn, his vehicle’s brake pedal went to the floorboard,” the report reads.

The tractor trailer overturned on its left side and as it overturned, the left side of the trailer struck the top of the minivan, driven by Canton resident Deanna Langston Cannon, 37.

“After impact, the tractor trailer slid on its left side in a southeasterly direction and forced vehicle two (the minivan) partially into the northbound lane of Union Hill Road,” according the report.

The truck came to rest with a part of its trailer on top of the minivan, facing south in the left turn lane of Union Hill Road.

Both Crane and Cannon were transported to Northside Hospital-Cherokee where they were treated for minor injuries.

Along with the tractor trailer’s load spilling onto the highway, a diesel fuel spill also occurred near the intersection.

(Photo credit: Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services)